Draft update to the dairy cattle Code of Practice released for public comment

A draft update to the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Dairy Cattle is now open for public comment. The public comment period allows all stakeholders to provide their input on the proposed updates to the 2009 Code.

The draft Code and the online platform to submit comments are now accessible at: www.nfacc.ca/codes-of-practice/dairy-cattle. All comments must be submitted through the online platform. The public comment period closes January 27, 2022. The Code Development Committee will consider the submitted comments after the close of the comment period, and the final Code of Practice will be released in 2022.

Codes of Practice for the care and handling of farm animals are the result of Canada’s unique consensus-based approach, which brings together all relevant stakeholders with an interest in animal care standards. They are developed by the National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC) in collaboration with diverse stakeholders that work together on farm animal care and welfare.

A Scientific Committee report summarizing research conclusions on priority welfare topics can be found alongside the draft Code and should be reviewed prior to making a submission. A critically important resource throughout the project, this peer-reviewed report is referenced in the draft Code of Practice at least 80 times.

Once finalized, the updated Code will promote sound management and animal care practices through recommendations and requirements for housing, feeding, handling, and other husbandry practices. The Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) initiated the update to the 2009 dairy cattle Code in January 2019, utilizing NFACC’s Code development process.

The dairy cattle Code is one of four Codes of Practice being developed as part of a multi-year NFACC project. Codes of Practice serve as Canada’s national understanding of animal care requirements and recommended practices. It is important that Codes be scientifically informed, implementable by producers, and reflect societal expectations for responsible farm animal care.

For more information about NFACC and the Code development process, visit www.nfacc.ca.