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Table 1 Summary of the measures within theanimal welfare, recording and breeding scheme for suckler Herds’ [3]

From: Farmers’ self-reported perceptions and behavioural impacts of a welfare scheme for suckler beef cattle in Ireland

Scheme measure

Specific requirements per measure

Calving details

Calf to be registered within 27 days of birth with details of sire and ‘ease of calving’ survey recorded.

Disbudding of calves

To normally be carried out within 3 weeks of birth.

Illegal to disbud calf over 2 weeks old without using local anaesthesia.

Date of disbudding recorded.

Castration of calves

Not compulsory.

If done, calf to be castrated at least 4 weeks prior to, or 2 weeks after weaning & date recorded.

Minimum calving age

Average age of heifers calving for first time to be 24 months old.

Appropriate weaning procedures

Minimum age for weaning set at 8 weeks of age.

3 different actions:

i.

Meal (concentrates) feeding from 4 weeks prior to weaning to 2 weeks post-weaning date

ii.

Graduated weaning with calves weaned in at least two separate groups

iii.

Sales Procedure with animals weaned a minimum of 2 weeks before sale or movement from herd

Dates for actions recorded.

Animal Events Recording

Farmers to submit all required data for each measure in the Scheme.

Training and education

Farmers to attend a specified training course.

  1. Source: DAFM, (2009) [3].