Question
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what research her Department has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the effects on animal welfare of zero-grazed dairy herds; and if she will make a statement.
Answer
Research ending in 2003 concluded that zero grazing systems were associated with higher than average lameness compared with other dairy farms. However, the level of stockmanship and housing were found to be better in zero grazing systems, as practised in the UK. Overall, the welfare of cows in zero grazing systems is equivalent to other dairy systems.We are currently funding another project to investigate the management and welfare of continuously housed cows.