How do dairy farmers look after their cows?
Dairy farmers care for their animals, it's their passion and their livelihood. They carefully monitor the health of their cows and provide preventative care. The dairy industry supports farmers with programs and access to specialists to help them provide the best care for their animals.
Last updated 30/01/2025
Dairy farmers care deeply about their cows because healthy cows produce high-quality milk, which is essential to their livelihood. They carefully monitor the health of their animals and take preventative measures to ensure their well-being.
Regardless of farm size, dairy farmers know that looking after their animals is key to success. Here are some of the steps they take to care for their cows:
- Taking actions to prevent diseases coming onto their farms and infecting animals
- Vaccinating against common diseases
- Feeding a nutritious diet, which provides the nutrients needed to produce milk and help prevent disease
- Building good laneways for the cows to walk along, preventing foot issues
- Practicing good hygiene while milking cows to prevent mastitis
- Planting trees to provide shade for cows on hot days
- Working with skilled vets to help treat animals that get sick.
All dairy farmers must meet the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Cattle, which set the minimum requirements for animal welfare. Additionally, the Australian dairy industry supports farmers with programs and access to specialists to help them provide best animal care.
Read more about what the dairy industry is doing to support animal welfare on farms in the Industry and Sustainability section.
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