Welfare Science

Farmed Cattle Welfare Progress Next Steps

Reflecting on cattle welfare science and practice progress, and identifying highest-priority next steps for continued improvement.

Key Facts

Cattle welfare science has advanced substantially over 30 years
Validated welfare assessment tools including Welfare Quality now exist
Lameness, mastitis, and metabolic disease rates have improved on progressive farms
Longevity and sustainability challenges remain significant
Electronic monitoring offers transformative potential

Welfare Considerations

Cattle welfare has improved through better science, stronger standards, and motivated producers. The next steps - mandatory welfare reporting, outcome-based auditing, precision monitoring, and genetic welfare improvement - offer a clear pathway to continued progress.

What You Can Do

Support the next generation of cattle welfare standards and accountability
Advocate for mandatory welfare outcome reporting in dairy and beef
Make welfare-informed choices about dairy and beef consumption