Cull Cow Welfare: Transport and Slaughter Standards

Cull cows — dairy cows removed from the herd — represent a significant proportion of beef production and face welfare challenges in their final journey.

Key Facts

Around 20-25 percent of dairy cows leave herds each year through culling
Common reasons for culling include mastitis, lameness, fertility problems, and low production
Cull cows are often in poor body condition at the time of culling
Lame cows should not be transported according to welfare regulations
On-farm slaughter using a licensed slaughterman is an option for severely compromised animals

Welfare Considerations

Cull cow welfare encompasses the decision to cull, condition at culling, transport to abattoir, and pre-slaughter handling. Delaying culling of severely compromised animals causes unnecessary suffering. Transporting lame, thin, or otherwise unfit cows causes additional welfare harm and is a regulatory breach. On-farm emergency slaughter is the welfare-optimal outcome for cows too compromised to transport. Journey planning to minimize transport time and frequency of loading reduces welfare impact. Receiving abattoirs must provide clean, well-bedded lairage with food and water access. Preslaughter stunning must render cows immediately unconscious before killing.

What You Can Do

Advocate for increased on-farm emergency slaughter provision for compromised dairy cows
Support abattoir welfare standards including adequate lairage and rapid throughput
Report suspected transport of unfit animals to the Animal and Plant Health Agency
Back training programs helping farmers recognize when culling rather than treating is the welfare-optimal decision