Cattle Welfare initiatives in Low BCS

Summary

This report proposed a national visual description and language to describe beef cattle in low body condition. The description criteria was applicable to the National Live Stock Language – Cattle and the Body Condition Score (0-5) system. It proposed that the developed descriptive criteria be included in the National Live Stock Language – Cattle and to have the same criteria recognised as “industry advisories” to the National Standards and Guidelines – Cattle and to the Australian Standards for Export of Livestock (ASEL). 
The descriptions and language allowed producers to establish ‘trigger’ points for on-farm management decisions (reproduction, drought intervention) when muscle/fat or body condition changes. Welfare regulators now have a national reference system recognised in the National Live Stock Language – Cattle to describe beef cattle. This resulted in a regulatory activity that is more equitable to producer and regulator. 
The project’s consultative process achieved widespread industry sector support for the proposals. Adoption of the visual description and language was proposed via ‘train-the-trainer’ national workshops for State/Territory agencies through on-line learning applications, written extension/education publications (Tips and Tools) and incorporation into existing national beef industry group learning programs.