Dairy industry sets date on routine calving induction phase out

Since the establishment of an industry steering group in 2015, the date to end routine calving induction has been set for January 1, 2022, with a gradual reduction target leading up to that time.

An Australian Dairy Industry Council statement said the industry had agreed to limit the percentage of cows per herd to undergo the procedure, with that reducing in the intervening years from 8 percent in 2019, 6pc in 2020 and 5pc in 2021.

"Caring for cows is always a key priority for Australian dairy farmers and the broader industry," the statement said.

"The industry is dedicated to providing a high standard of care for our animals, and to changing practices when in the best interests of livestock."

The steering committee was made up of dairyfarmers, representatives from the Australian Cattle Veterinarians, Dairy Australia and the Australian Dairy Products Federation.

The statement said calving induction had already been reduced in Australia and the dairy industry's breeding programs, such as InCalf and the improvement of fertility by genetic selection, continued to make a difference.

A survey of veterinary practices performing inductions has been undertaken every year since 2015, showing the number of farms using calving induction has reduced by nearly 40pc, while those farms using calving induction had reduced the percentage of the herd from 10.4pc in 2015 to 7.09pc in 2018 - well ahead of the industry target of 10pc in 2018.

The New Zealand dairy industry banned the practice from June 1, 2015, following a phased reduction.

The ADIC statement said the Australian industry was liaising with counterparts in NZ to learn from its experience, "in particular how they are managing the dispensation process after complete phase out".

Australian dairyfarmers will continue to be able to apply to the Oversight and Engagement Panel, which includes representatives from Australian Dairy Farmers, the Australian Cattle Vets and ADPF, via their vet for special dispensation to carry out inductions in excess of the industry targets for routine calving inductions.

"While there is no legal requirement for dairyfarmers to achieve the industry target, the dairy industry is seeking to achieve industry-wide practice that is over and above the legal requirements and is confident farmers will adopt the recommended voluntary industry targets as the phase out progresses," the statement said.

The Steering Group will work with the Oversight and Engagement Panel to monitor progress and review the target each year in order to establish updated annual targets.

DA has developed case studies of farmers who have successfully transitioned away from routine calving induction, without compromising their calving pattern. These can be accessed at dairyaustralia.com.au/calvinginduction