Improving welfare and adding value to cull dairy cows through feedlot management

Lead Applicant: Todd Duffield

Research Priority: Animal Health & Welfare

Program Type: Tier 1

Funding Cycle: 2021/2022

Research Centre: Ontario Dairy Research Centre- Elora

Research Summary: Previous research has shown a high prevalence of thin, lame and still lactating cull dairy cows sent to auction every year in Ontario, many of which get transported across long distances to the U.S. This study is looking to see if there are economic and welfare benefits to the short-term placement of cull dairy cows on bedded pack feedlots where they can be dried off, improve any lameness and increase feed to improve body condition before long-distance transport occurs.