You don’t have to be in the Canadian cattle business to know that animal welfare, as a movement and a way of doing business, is garnering a lot of support. But what are the benefits? To the cattle the answer is pretty obvious, but what’s in it for producers? As it turns out, plenty and the research supports it.
ANIMAL WELFARE
Healthy cattle are more productive, require less care and are more profitable. Producers can also complete procedures such as castration, easier and more effectively when cattle are comfortable. By incorporating animal welfare practices, producers and cattle alike can enjoy many advantages.
INCREASED PRODUCTION AND PROFIT
As a general rule, when cattle are healthy, they are more productive. When not in pain their appetite improves, leading to improved weaning weights. Healthy cattle also normally grow faster, make faster gains and have enhanced fertility – all of which positively impact productivity, product quality and in the end, your profits.
HEALTHIER MORE VALUABLE HERDS
Healthy herds are by and large more valuable. When they live lives that are healthy and happy it shows. Lowered stress means less stress hormones are released, ensuring product quality isn’t degraded. Healthy cattle are more disease resistant and typically recover faster following procedures.
REDUCED COSTS
Implementing animal welfare practices has added cost-saving benefits. When cattle are healthy and free of discomfort and disease, veterinary bills commonly go down and there’s a reduced need for medication. Resources can also be used more efficiently.
BEHAVIOURAL BENEFITS
It goes without saying that cattle benefit most directly from animal welfare. A healthy herd is a happy herd and the behavioral benefits are obvious. They’re noticeably more comfortable, spend more time bonding, interacting and engaging in play behaviour.
IMPROVED REPUTATION
Animal welfare has become a hot button topic with both consumers and retailers. Food chains like McDonald’s are also influencing the movement. By practicing animal welfare, producers increase trust throughout the distribution chain, improving their reputation among consumers and increasing demand for the Canadian brand.
WHAT’S GOOD FOR THE HERD IS GOOD FOR YOUR BOTTOM LINE
Humane animal farming is better for everyone. Cattle live healthier, happier and more active lives. Without it, they experience unnecessary stress which impacts your bottom line. After all, pain leads to production losses which have major economic repercussions. As it turns out, when your herd suffers, your ROI suffers too. Fortunately, the implementation of animal welfare practices can help reduce the negative impacts of pain and lead to a true win-win scenario.
