Animal Care & the CDQAP

The CDQAP has been engaged in dairy animal care outreach since 2004 when we co-produced with the University of California the Dairy Welfare Evaluation Guide. This official UC publication served as a reference point for producers or allided industry interested in science-based dairy welfare background information and an associated evaluation tool.  

With increased interest in the health and quality of "dairy beef" (dairy cattle used for meat), the CDQAP once again partnered with UC veterinarians and animal scientists, producing in 2004, Dairy Beef: Maximizing Quality and Profits. This award-winning online education publication for dairy producers covers a wide variety of topics related to livestock care and beef quality including minimizing bruising, feeding out market cattle and appropriate use of livestock medications.

Following the introduction of a BSE-positive Canadian cow in 2003 and relevations of inappropriate practices at auction markets and slaughter facilities in 2008, the state's dairy producers sought to ensure producers had the very best training related to the care and movement of sick and injured cattle. The resulting workshops offered by the CDQAP and other UC partners in 2008 and 2009 used slide sets, videos, anatomical models, equipment displays and wet-lab training in the safe and effective use of euthanasia devices.

Most recently the California dairy industry has been leading a national effort to build confidence for consumers and corporate buyers of dairy products, such as grocery store chains. While dairy producers have a longstanding commitment to animal well-being, no uniform system has existed nationally by which animal care practices could be documented for consumers and retailers. In order to fill that need, the nation's dairy industry this year is launching the Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) program. Participating in this nationwide initiative, the CDAP is providing practical support in the form of free workships, protocol templates and employee educational tools.

California dairy producers who are (voluntarily or due to processor policy) participating in the national dairy FARM program and want to know more can scan a short Q&A document. In addition, producers can check out all of the reference binder materials used in the FARM workshops.