Bobby Calves
In order to produce milk, a dairy cow needs to be pregnant or lactating. The majority of male calves and some females are surplus to the farmer’s needs. These ‘bobby calves’ are separated from their mother shortly after birth, hand fed then transported to slaughter at a mere 5 days old – an age at which they are not equipped to withstand the rigors of transport.
Because they will very soon go to slaughter, bobby calves often don’t get the same standard of housing, cleanliness, care or attention as other calves destined for further rearing. And now, a proposed new standard for the time off feed for bobby calves would deny them feed for up to 30 hours on their way to slaughter.
The RSPCA believes 30 hours is far too long for newborn calves to be off feed.
The dairy industry argues that 30 hours off feed is an acceptable way to treat unwanted dairy calves. However, the dairy industry’s own research found that the welfare of bobby calves begins to deteriorate from 24 hours off feed, and that is if conditions are ‘ideal’.
Recently, Primary Industries Ministers had an opportunity to put in place legal protections for these animals but instead put making a decision back in the 'too hard basket'. This inexcusable indecision has left these babies totally exposed.
Take action and write to your Primary Industries Minister. .More information:
- About bobby calves
- Bobby Calf Time Off Feed Standard
- More information about transportation of farm animals