ORLANDO, Fla. – Docking cow tails is no longer an acceptable practice, according to the National Milk Producers Federation and the dairy industry’s Farmers Assuring Responsible Management Animal Care Program. National Milk’s board has set Jan. 1, 2017, as the date for farmers to end participating in the industry-wide animal-care program. The practice has been routine on many farms for frequently cited reasons of cow cleanliness and worker safety.
Top Story
Docking
Tail docking: just say no
1 of 3
Scientific studies do not support the anecdotal benefits cited by some producers for docking tails. In fact, it's shown cows are under less stress in the fly season if they have intact tails.
The practice of docking cow tails is being discouraged by many countries and organizations. These cows in the University of Wisconsin-Madison milking parlor have full tails, which are useful for swatting flies.
Numerous dairy-industry groups oppose docking cow tails.
ORLANDO, Fla. – Representatives from Chobani, Walmart, Starbucks and Kroger commended dairy producers recently for their hard work and passion…