Cull Cow Welfare in Dairy and Beef Systems

Cull cows are often the most welfare-compromised animals in dairy and beef systems. Improving culling decisions and transport welfare reduces significant suffering.

Key Facts

Cull cows in poor body condition account for a disproportionate share of animal welfare concerns
EU and UK regulations prohibit transport of unfit animals including those with lameness or injuries
Pre-transport assessment by vets is required but compliance is inconsistent
Emergency on-farm slaughter is the appropriate welfare response for animals unfit for transport
Breeding animals too long in poor condition before culling reflects inadequate welfare monitoring

Welfare Considerations

Cull cow welfare failures occur at multiple points: delayed culling decisions leaving animals in poor condition for extended periods, transport of animals unfit for the journey, and inadequate lairage conditions at abattoir. Animals with severe lameness, poor body condition, and other conditions that should trigger on-farm slaughter are sometimes transported, causing significant welfare harm. Timely culling decisions before animals deteriorate to unfitness for transport, combined with pre-transport fitness assessment, prevents most cull cow welfare failures.

What You Can Do

Support training programmes for farmers in cull cow fitness-for-transport assessment
Advocate for improved compliance with pre-transport veterinary certificate requirements
Report suspected transport of unfit cattle to APHA Animal Welfare helpline
Donate to research on improving cull cow welfare decision-making frameworks