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Dairy Cattle

The updated Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Dairy Cattle was released March 30, 2023. As is stated in the Code’s preface, it comes into effect April 1, 2024 (unless indicated otherwise in Requirements with a later phase-in date). During this 1-year general coming-into-effect period, the 2009 dairy cattle Code continues to apply and is available here. 

 There are various ways to view the updated Code (that comes into effect April 1, 2024):

  • HTML version (or select from the Table of Contents below)
  • PDF version (2.32 MB) 

There are a limited number of hard copies of this Code. NFACC encourages use of the electronic version and does not store hard copies. Provincial industry associations or ministries may have copies available.

Resources:

Table of Contents 

Updated Dairy Cattle Code (in effect as of April 1, 2024)

Preface
Introduction
Glossary
Section 1 Training and Responsibilities
Section 2 Facilities and Housing
Section 3 Feed and Water
Section 4 Husbandry Practices
Section 5 Cattle Health
Section 6 Preparations for Transport
Section 7 Euthanasia
References
Appendices:
 Appendix A- Sample Cattle Welfare Policy
 Appendix B- Body Condition Scoring Chart
 Appendix C- Cow Cleanliness Scoring
 Appendix D- Calf Health Scoring Chart and Criteria
 Appendix E- Lameness Scoring Systems for Dairy Cows
 Appendix F- Transport Decision Tree
 Appendix G- Sample Euthanasia Decision Tree
 Appendix H- Anatomical Landmarks for Euthanasia
 Appendix I- Secondary Steps to Cause Death
 Appendix J- Resources for Further Information
 Appendix K- Participants
 Appendix L- Summary of Code Requirements

 

DAIRY CATTLE CODE (version that is in effect until March 31, 2024)

The 2009 Code can be viewed as a PDF version (1.3 MB). 

There are no available hard copies of this Code. 

Resources

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