The Basic Principles of Dairy Cattle Welfare Plan Creation and Implementation

Abstract

In this review paper basic principles of dairy cattle welfare plan creation and implementation were given. The plan includes goals intended to be achieved related to specificities of dairy farm technology, selection of measures and procedures that have to be included, order and manner of measures and procedures description, as well as plan implementation.Efficiency and further sustainability of the plan implementation could be measured through differences between dairy cattle welfare level before and after the plan application using questionnaire containing complex indicators, such as: 1. planning, organisation and implementation of dairy cattle welfare standards, 2. competence of employees in relation to dairy cattle welfare, 3. stock-keeper attitudes towards dairy cattle behavioural needs, 4. monitoring and inspection of dairy cattle and equipment, 5. handling of dairy cattle, 6. feeding and watering of dairy cattle, 7. accommodation, microclimate and sanitary conditions on farm, 8. hygiene and body care of the dairy cattle, 9. production and reproduction of dairy cattle and 10. behaviour and health status of dairy cattle.Stock-keeper should define and write the plan in close cooperation with veterinarian and other professionals, when necessary, experts and technical persons who are engaged in providing advice on production technology especially engineers of animal husbandry. At least once a year, it is necessary to reconsider and supplement the plan by current scientific knowledge and new practical experience.