The link between feeding and welfare in dairy cattle

The welfare of any animal can be described by considering its state of well-being. Animals, including dairy cattle, should live in reasonable harmony with their environment, have adequate fulfilment of their physical, health and behavioural needs and not be subjected to unreasonable pain or distress. Lactating dairy cattle are particularly susceptible to the effects of feed on their metabolism and well-being . In this presentation, the manner in which feed can compromise the welfare of dairy cattle will be discussed in relation to protein-energy malnutrition, water deprivation, mineral deficiencies and imbalances, fast fermenting sugars and starches, roughage and forage composition and feeding behaviour. Disease syndromes related to feed and feeding, that may compromise dairy cow welfare, include starvation resulting in suboptimal body condition score, laminitis, arthritis, acidosis, abomasal displacement, milk fever, calving difficulties and retained afterbirth. Each of these impacts on one or more of the five freedoms . Ways in which welfare deficiencies linked to these syndromes can be objectively measured will be described and discussed. It was concluded that feeding systems that do not compromise the well-being of dairy cows are likely to result in better herd productivity . It is strongly recommended that the well-being of dairy cows should also be taken into account when formulating feeding strategies linked to externalities such as environmental objectives or consumer preferences.