Agricultural Quality Assessment Division QAD 1060C Checklist

Marketing 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0258 June 1, 2019

Service Washington, DC 20250 Page 1 of 18

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. Approved by_________ JW

Date Issued: 07/20/17

Animal Welfare and Dairy Cattle Production Systems Checklist

 Audit the Program against the following Program requirements:

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS – OIE’s Terrestrial Animal Health Code, Animal Welfare and 

Dairy Cattle Production Systems

(1) Identify animal welfare scheme program documents and sections that address each criterion. 

(2) Explanations and/or comments must be provided to provide enough evidence of conformance 

or non-conformance, as applicable.

OIE’s Terrestrial Animal 

Health Code, Animal Welfare 

and Dairy Cattle Production 

Systems Criteria

Applicant 

Reference 

Document

Conform 

(Yes, No, 

or N/A) 

Objective Evidence/Findings/

Remarks

 Criteria for the Welfare of Dairy Cattle

0.1 Morbidity rate

Both clinical examination and pathology 

SHOULD be utilized as an indicator of 

disease, injuries and other problems that may 

compromise animal welfare.

0.2 Mortality and culling rates

Mortality and culling rates affect the length of 

productive life and, like morbidity rates, may 

be direct or indirect indicators of the animal 

welfare status. Depending on the production 

system, estimates of mortality and culling 

rates can be obtained by analyzing death and 

culling and their temporal and spatial patterns 

of occurrence. Mortality and culling, and their 

causes, SHOULD be recorded regularly, e.g. 

daily, monthly, annually or with reference to 

key husbandry activities within the production 

cycle.

1.0 System Design and Management Including Physical Environment

1.0.1 When new facilities are planned or 

existing facilities are modified, professional 

advice on design in regards to animal welfare 

and health SHOULD be considered. 

Examples of professionals include, but are 

not limited to: farm manager, animal manager, 

trained employee, veterinarian, dairy scientist, 

animal scientist, extension agent, nutritionist, 

structural engineer etc. 

1.1 Thermal Environment

1.1.1 Heat Stress

1.1.1.1 Animal handlers SHOULD be aware 

of the risk that heat stress poses to cattle and 

of the thresholds in relation to heat and 

humidity that may require action. Likewise 

the dairy environment and facilities SHOULD

be utilized to mitigate heat stress (ex. use of 

fans, shade, sprinklers etc.) as appropriate. 
Agricultural Quality Assessment Division QAD 1060C Checklist

Marketing 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0258 June 1, 2019

Service Washington, DC 20250 Page 2 of 18

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. Approved by_________ JW

Date Issued: 07/20/17

1.1.1.2 If the risk of heat stress reaches very 

high levels the animal handlers SHOULD

institute an emergency action plan that gives 

priority to access to additional water and 

could include provision of shade, fans, 

reduction of animal density, and provision of 

cooling systems as appropriate for the local 

conditions.

1.1.2 Cold Stress

1.1.2.1 Protection from extreme weather 

conditions SHOULD be provided when these 

conditions are likely to create a serious risk to 

the welfare of cattle, particularly in neonates 

and young cattle and others that are 

physiologically compromised. This could be 

provided by extra bedding and natural or manmade shelters.

1.1.2.2 During extreme cold weather 

conditions, animal handlers SHOULD

institute an emergency action plan to provide 

cattle with shelter, adequate feed and water.

1.1.3 Lighting

1.1.3.1 Housed cattle that do not have 

sufficient access to natural light SHOULD be 

provided with supplementary lighting which 

follows natural periodicity sufficient for their 

health and welfare, to facilitate natural 

behavior patterns and to allow adequate and 

safe inspection of the cattle.

1.1.3.2 The lighting SHOULD not cause 

discomfort to the animals. Housed dairy cows 

SHOULD be provided with subdued night 

time lighting were appropriate.

1.1.3.3 Entrance to and exit from restraint 

facilities and their surrounding area SHOULD

be well lit.

1.1.4 Air Quality

1.1.4.1 Proper ventilation is important for 

effective heat dissipation in cattle and to 

prevent the build-up of effluent gases (e.g. 

ammonia and hydrogen sulfide), including 

those from manure and dust in the housing 

unit. The ammonia level in enclosed housing 

SHOULD not exceed 25 ppm or be unpleasant 

for humans. Air quality that is unpleasant for 

humans is a useful indicator that air is likely 

to be a problem for cattle.

1.1.5 Noise

1.1.5.1 Cattle are adaptable to different levels 

and types of noise. However, exposure of 

cattle to sudden and unexpected noises, 

including from personnel, SHOULD be 

minimized where possible to prevent stress 

and fear reactions. 
Agricultural Quality Assessment Division QAD 1060C Checklist

Marketing 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0258 June 1, 2019

Service Washington, DC 20250 Page 3 of 18

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. Approved by_________ JW

Date Issued: 07/20/17

1.1.5.2 Ventilation fans, alarms, feeding 

machinery or other indoor or outdoor 

equipment SHOULD be constructed, placed, 

operated and maintained in a manner that 

minimizes noise.

1.1.6 Flooring, Bedding, Resting Surfaces and Outdoor Areas

1.1.6.1 In all production systems cattle need a 

well-drained and comfortable place to rest. All 

cattle in a group SHOULD have sufficient 

space to lie down and rest.

Examples of sufficient resting and groups of 

animals include, but are not limited to: 

Animal Observations of Hygiene; 

Locomotion; Hock and Knee observations; 

Body Condition. Group: more than one animal 

in a designated area housed together based 

upon size, weight, age, health status or other 

measure determined by manager of the herd.

1.1.6.2 Particular attention SHOULD be given 

to the provisions for areas used for calving. 

The environment in such areas (e.g. floors, 

bedding, temperature, calving pen and 

hygiene) SHOULD be appropriate to ensure 

the welfare of calving cows and new born 

calves.

1.1.6.3 In housed systems calving areas 

SHOULD be thoroughly cleaned and provided 

with fresh bedding between each calving. 

Group pens for calving SHOULD be managed 

based on the principle 'all in - all out'. The 

group calving pen SHOULD be thoroughly 

cleaned and provided with fresh bedding 

between each animal group. The time interval 

between first and last calving of cows kept in 

the same group calving pen SHOULD be 

minimized.

1.1.6.4 Outdoor calving pens SHOULD be 

selected to provide the cow with a clean and 

comfortable environment. If outdoor pens are 

not part of the dairy, then N/A applies.

1.1.6.5 Floor management in housed 

production systems can have a significant 

impact on cattle welfare. Areas that 

compromise welfare and are not suitable for 

resting (e.g. places with excessive fecal 

accumulation, or wet bedding) SHOULD not 

be included in the determination of the area 

available for cattle to lie down.

1.1.6.6 Water SHOULD not be allowed to 

pool around troughs and pens.

Examples to avoid water pooling include, but 

are not limited to: cattle safe drains, slopes, 

pen management such as scrapping (manual 

or mechanical), etc.
Agricultural Quality Assessment Division QAD 1060C Checklist

Marketing 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0258 June 1, 2019

Service Washington, DC 20250 Page 4 of 18

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. Approved by_________ JW

Date Issued: 07/20/17

1.1.6.7 Flooring, bedding, resting surfaces and 

outdoor yards SHOULD be cleaned as 

conditions warrant, to ensure good hygiene, 

comfort and minimize risk of diseases and 

injuries.

1.1.6.8 In pasture systems, stock SHOULD be 

managed to ensure good hygiene and 

minimize risk of diseases and injuries.

Examples of pasture management include, 

but are not limited to: field rotation, field 

grooming, pasture management such as type 

of grass that is planted, amount of time cattle 

are on a specific pasture etc.

1.1.6.9 Bedding SHOULD be provided to all 

animals housed on concrete. In straw, sand or 

other bedding systems such as rubber mats, 

crumbled-rubber-filled mattresses and 

waterbeds, the bedding SHOULD be suitable 

(e.g. hygienic, non-toxic) and maintained to 

provide cattle with a clean, dry and 

comfortable place in which to lie.

1.1.6.10 The design of a standing, or cubicle, 

or free stall, SHOULD be such that the 

animals can stand and lie comfortably on a 

solid surface (e.g. length, width and height 

SHOULD be appropriate for the size of the 

largest animal). There SHOULD be sufficient 

room for the animal to rest and to rise 

adopting normal postures, to move its head 

freely as it stands up, and to groom itself 

without difficulty. Where individual spaces 

are provided for cows to rest, there SHOULD

be at least one space per cow when resting is 

sought. Examples of how/when cattle rest 

include, but are not limited to: 

- In many cases cows are consistently 

being moved through the dairy to be 

milked, so the whole group of cows is not 

in their pen at one time. Some will be 

lying and some will be moving through 

their milking routine.

- At any one time some cows will be 

eating, some drinking and some lying.

- Cows have a hierarchy. In many cases,

lead cows will eat and drink first, while 

other cows rest. Then the lead cows will 

rest and the other cows will eat and drink.

1.1.6.11 Alleys and gates SHOULD be 

designed and operated to allow free 

movement of cattle. Floors SHOULD be 

designed to minimize slipping and falling, 

promote foot health, and reduce the risk of 

claw injuries.

1.1.6.12 If a housing system includes areas of 

slatted floor, cattle, including replacement 
Agricultural Quality Assessment Division QAD 1060C Checklist

Marketing 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0258 June 1, 2019

Service Washington, DC 20250 Page 5 of 18

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. Approved by_________ JW

Date Issued: 07/20/17

stock, SHOULD have access to a solid lying 

area. The slat and gap widths SHOULD be 

appropriate to the hoof size of the cattle to 

prevent injuries.

1.1.6.13 If cattle have to be tethered whether 

indoors or outdoors, they SHOULD, as a 

minimum, be able to lie down, stand up, 

maintain normal body posture and groom 

themselves unimpeded. Cows kept in tie stall 

housing SHOULD be allowed sufficient 

untethered exercise to prevent welfare 

problems. When tethered outdoors they 

SHOULD be able to walk. Animal handlers 

SHOULD be aware of the higher risks of 

welfare problems where cattle are tethered.

1.1.6.14 Where breeding bulls are in housing 

systems, care SHOULD be taken to ensure 

that they have sight of other cattle with 

sufficient space for resting and exercise. If 

used for natural mating, the floor SHOULD

not be slatted or slippery.

1.1.7 Location, Construction and Equipment

1.1.7.1 The impacts of climate and 

geographical factors on dairy cattle SHOULD

be taken into consideration when farms are 

established. Efforts SHOULD be made to 

mitigate any negative impacts of those factors.

Examples of how to mitigate climate and 

geographical changes to cattle include, but are 

not limited to: facility design such as, shade, 

fans, wind breaks, bedding, movement of 

cattle through a facility (ex. milking times, 

breeding times), choosing a specific breed of 

cattle, etc.

1.1.7.2 All facilities for dairy cattle SHOULD

be constructed, maintained and operated to 

minimize the risk to the welfare of the cattle.

1.1.7.3 In pasture and combination systems 

tracks and races between the milking area and 

fields SHOULD be laid out and managed so 

as to minimize the overall distances walked. 

Construction and maintenance of tracks and 

races, including their surface, SHOULD

minimize any risk to the welfare of the cattle, 

especially from foot health problems.

1.1.7.4 Equipment for milking, handling and 

restraining dairy cattle SHOULD be 

constructed and used in a way that minimizes 

the risk of injury, pain or distress. 

Manufacturers of such equipment SHOULD

consider animal welfare when designing it and 

when preparing operating instructions.

regulation already in place through FDA: 

https://www.fda.gov/downloads/food/guida

Per 

Industry, 

N/A for this 

checklist 
Agricultural Quality Assessment Division QAD 1060C Checklist

Marketing 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0258 June 1, 2019

Service Washington, DC 20250 Page 6 of 18

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. Approved by_________ JW

Date Issued: 07/20/17

nceregulation/guidancedocumentsregulator

yinformation/milk/ucm513508.pdf

1.1.7.6 Electrified fences and gates SHOULD

be well-designed and maintained to avoid 

welfare problems, and used only in 

accordance with manufacturer's instructions.

1.1.7.8 In all production systems, feed and 

water provision SHOULD allow all cattle to 

have access to feed and water. Feeding 

systems SHOULD be designed to minimize 

agonistic behavior. Feeders and water 

providers SHOULD be easy to clean and 

properly maintained.

1.1.7.9 Milking parlors, free stalls, standings, 

cubicles, races, chutes and pens SHOULD be 

properly maintained and be free from sharp 

edges and protrusions to prevent injury to 

cattle.

1.1.7.10 There SHOULD be a separated area 

where individual animals can be examined 

closely and which has restraining facilities.

1.1.7.11 When relevant, sick and injured 

animals SHOULD be treated away from 

healthy animals. When a dedicated space is 

provided this SHOULD accommodate all the 

needs of the animal e.g. recumbent animals 

may require additional bedding or an 

alternative floors surface.

1.1.7.12 Hydraulic, pneumatic and manual 

equipment SHOULD be adjusted, as 

appropriate, to the size of cattle to be handled. 

Hydraulic and pneumatic operated restraining 

equipment SHOULD have pressure limiting 

devices to prevent injuries. Regular cleaning 

and maintenance of working parts is essential 

to ensure the system functions properly and is 

safe for the cattle.

1.1.7.13 Mechanical and electrical devices 

used in facilities SHOULD be safe for cattle.

1.1.7.14 Dipping baths and spray races used 

for ectoparasite control SHOULD be designed 

and operated to minimize the risk of crowding 

and to prevent injury and drowning. Dipping 

of dairy cattle is not practiced in the U.S. 

(this is more specific to beef cattle)

Per 

Industry, 

N/A for this 

checklist. 

1.1.7.15 Collecting yards (e.g. entry to the 

milking parlor) SHOULD be designed and 

operated to minimize stress and prevent 

injuries and lameness.

1.1.7.16 The loading areas and ramps, 

including the slope of the ramp, SHOULD be 

designed to minimize stress and injuries for 

the animals and ensure the safety of the 

animal handlers.
Agricultural Quality Assessment Division QAD 1060C Checklist

Marketing 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0258 June 1, 2019

Service Washington, DC 20250 Page 7 of 18

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. Approved by_________ JW

Date Issued: 07/20/17

1.1.8 Emergency Plans

1.1.8.1 The failure of power, water and feed 

supply systems could compromise animal 

welfare. Dairy producers SHOULD have 

contingency plans to cover the failure of these 

systems. These plans may include the 

provision of fail-safe alarms to detect 

malfunctions, back-up generators, contact 

information for key service providers, ability 

to store water on farm, access to water cartage 

services, adequate on-farm storage of feed, 

alternative feed supply, and emergency killing 

of animals

1.1.8.2 Preventive measures for emergencies 

SHOULD be input-based rather than outcome 

based. Contingency plans SHOULD include 

an evacuation plan and be documented and 

communicated to all responsible parties. 

Alarms and back-up systems SHOULD be 

checked regularly.

2.0 Animal Management Practices

2.0.1 Good animal management practices are 

critical to providing an acceptable level of 

animal welfare. Personnel involved in 

handling and caring for dairy cattle SHOULD

be competent with relevant experience or 

training to equip them with the necessary 

practical skills and knowledge of dairy cattle 

behavior, handling, health, biosecurity, 

physiological needs and welfare. There 

SHOULD be a sufficient number of animal 

handlers to ensure the health and welfare of 

the cattle.

2.1 Biosecurity and Animal Health

2.1.1 Biosecurity and Disease Prevention

2.1.1.1 Biosecurity plans SHOULD be 

designed, implemented and maintained, 

commensurate with the best possible herd 

health status, available resources and 

infrastructure, and current disease risk and, for 

listed diseases in accordance with relevant 

recommendations in the Terrestrial Code.

2.1.1.2 These biosecurity plans SHOULD

address the control of the major sources and 

pathways for spread of

pathogens:

– cattle, including introductions to the herd,

– calves coming from different sources,

– other domestic animals, wildlife, and pests,

– people including sanitation practices,

– equipment, tools and facilities,

– vehicles,

– air,

– water supply, feed and bedding,
Agricultural Quality Assessment Division QAD 1060C Checklist

Marketing 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0258 June 1, 2019

Service Washington, DC 20250 Page 8 of 18

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. Approved by_________ JW

Date Issued: 07/20/17

– manure, waste and dead stock disposal,

– semen and embryos.

2.1.2 Animal Health Management

2.1.2.1 Animal health management SHOULD

optimize the physical and behavioral health 

and welfare of the dairy herd. It includes the 

prevention, treatment and control of diseases 

and conditions affecting the herd (in particular 

mastitis, lameness, reproductive and 

metabolic diseases).

2.1.2.2 There SHOULD be an effective 

program for the prevention and treatment of 

diseases and conditions, formulated in 

consultation with a veterinarian, where 

appropriate. This program SHOULD include 

the recording of production data (e.g. number 

of lactating cows, births, animal movements 

in and out of the herd, milk yield), 

morbidities, mortalities, culling rate and 

medical treatments. It SHOULD be kept up to 

date by the animal handler(s). Regular 

monitoring of records aids management and 

quickly reveals problem areas for 

intervention.

2.1.2.3 For parasitic burdens (e.g. 

endoparasites, ectoparasites and protozoa), a 

program SHOULD be implemented to 

monitor, control and treat, as appropriate.

2.1.2.4 Lameness can be a problem in dairy 

cattle. Animal handlers SHOULD monitor the 

state of feet and take measures to prevent 

lameness and maintain foot health.

2.1.2.5 Those responsible for the care of cattle 

SHOULD be aware of early specific signs of 

disease or distress (e.g. coughing, ocular 

discharge, changes in milk appearance, 

changes in locomotory behavior), and nonspecific signs such as reduced feed and water 

intake, reduction of milk production, changes 

in weight and body condition, changes in 

behavior or abnormal physical appearance.

2.1.2.6 Cattle at higher risk of disease or 

distress will require more frequent inspection 

by animal handlers. If animal handlers suspect 

the presence of a disease or are not able to 

correct the causes of disease or distress, they 

SHOULD seek advice from those having 

training and experience, such as veterinarians 

or other qualified advisers, as appropriate.

2.1.2.7 Vaccinations and other treatments 

administered to cattle SHOULD be carried out 

by veterinarians or other people skilled in the 

procedures and on the basis of veterinary or 

other expert advice and with consideration for 

the welfare of the dairy cattle.
Agricultural Quality Assessment Division QAD 1060C Checklist

Marketing 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0258 June 1, 2019

Service Washington, DC 20250 Page 9 of 18

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. Approved by_________ JW

Date Issued: 07/20/17

2.1.2.8 Animal handlers SHOULD be 

competent in identifying and appropriately 

managing chronically ill or injured cattle, for 

instance in recognizing and dealing with nonambulatory cattle, especially those that have 

recently calved. Veterinary advice SHOULD

be sought as appropriate.

2.1.2.9 Non-ambulatory cattle SHOULD have 

access to water at all times and be provided 

with feed at least once daily and milked as 

necessary. They SHOULD be provided shade 

and protected from predators. They SHOULD

not be transported or moved unless absolutely 

necessary for treatment or diagnosis. Such 

movements SHOULD be done carefully using 

methods that avoid dragging the animal or 

lifting it in a way that might exacerbate 

injuries.

2.1.2.10 Animal handlers SHOULD also be 

competent in assessing fitness to transport, as 

described in Chapter 7.3.

2.1.2.11 In case of disease or injury, when 

treatment has failed or recovery is unlikely 

(e.g. cattle that are unable to stand up, unaided 

or refuse to eat or drink), the animal 

SHOULD be humanely killed as soon as 

possible.

2.1.2.12 Animals suffering from 

photosensitization SHOULD be provided with 

shade and where possible the cause SHOULD

be identified.

2.1.3 Emergency Plans for Disease Outbreaks

2.1.3.1 Emergency plans SHOULD cover the 

management of the farm in the face of an 

emergency disease outbreak, consistent with 

national programs and recommendations of 

Veterinary Services as appropriate. For 

disease spread see APHIS’s Secure Milk 

Supply Plan: http://securemilksupply.org/

2.2 Nutrition

2.2.1 Cattle SHOULD be provided with 

access to an appropriate quantity and quality 

of balanced nutrition that meets their 

physiological needs.

2.2.2 Where cattle are maintained in outdoor 

conditions, short term exposure to climatic 

extremes may prevent access to nutrition that 

meets their daily physiological needs. In such 

circumstances the animal handler SHOULD

ensure that the period of reduced nutrition is 

not prolonged and that extra food and water 

supply are provided if welfare would 

otherwise be compromised.

2.2.3 Animal handlers SHOULD have 

adequate knowledge of appropriate body 
Agricultural Quality Assessment Division QAD 1060C Checklist

Marketing 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0258 June 1, 2019

Service Washington, DC 20250 Page 10 of 18

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. Approved by_________ JW

Date Issued: 07/20/17

condition scoring systems for their cattle and 

SHOULD not allow body condition to go 

outside an acceptable range in accordance 

with breed and physiological status.

2.2.4 Feedstuffs and feed ingredients 

SHOULD be of satisfactory quality to meet 

nutritional needs and stored to minimize 

contamination and deterioration. Where 

appropriate, feed and feed ingredients 

SHOULD be tested for the presence of 

substances that would adversely impact on 

animal health. Control and monitoring of 

animal feed SHOULD be implemented.

2.2.5 Grain or new diets SHOULD be 

introduced slowly and palatable fibrous feed 

such as, but not limited to silage, grass and 

hay, SHOULD be available ad libitum and/or 

to meet metabolic requirements in a way that 

promotes digestion and ensures normal rumen 

function.

2.2.6 Animal handlers SHOULD understand 

the impact of cattle size and age, weather 

patterns, diet composition and sudden dietary 

changes in respect to digestive upsets and

their negative consequences (displaced 

abomasum, sub-acute ruminal acidosis, bloat, 

liver abscess, and laminitis). Where 

appropriate, dairy producers SHOULD

consult a cattle nutritionist for advice on 

ration formulation and feeding programs.

2.2.7 Particular attention SHOULD be paid to 

nutrition in the last month of pregnancy, with 

regards to energy balance, roughage and 

micronutrients, in order to minimize calving 

and post-calving diseases and body condition 

loss.

2.2.9 Calves over two weeks old SHOULD

have access to a sufficient daily ration of 

fibrous feed and/or starter ration (concentrate) 

to promote rumen development and to reduce 

abnormal oral behaviors.

2.2.10 Dairy producers SHOULD become 

familiar with potential micronutrient 

deficiencies or excesses for production 

systems in their respective geographical areas 

and use appropriately formulated supplements 

where necessary.

2.3 Social Environment

2.3.1 Management of cattle SHOULD take 

into account their social environment as it 

relates to animal welfare, particularly in 

housed systems. Problem areas include: 

agonistic and oestrus activity, mixing of 

heifers and cows, feeding cattle of different 

size and age in the same pens, decreased space 
Agricultural Quality Assessment Division QAD 1060C Checklist

Marketing 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0258 June 1, 2019

Service Washington, DC 20250 Page 11 of 18

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. Approved by_________ JW

Date Issued: 07/20/17

allowance, insufficient space at the feeder, 

insufficient water access and mixing of bulls.

2.3.2 Management of cattle in all systems 

SHOULD take into account the social 

interactions of cattle within groups. The 

animal handler SHOULD understand the 

dominance hierarchies that develop within 

different groups and focus on high risk 

animals, such as sick or injured, very young, 

very old, small or large size for cohort group, 

for evidence of agonistic behavior and 

excessive mounting behavior. The animal 

handler SHOULD understand the risks of 

increased agonistic interactions between 

animals, particularly after mixing groups.

2.3.4 When other measures have failed, cattle 

that are expressing excessive agonistic activity 

or excessive mounting behavior SHOULD be

managed in accordance with the Herd Health 

Plan or removed from the group.

Examples of how to manage animals who 

express excessive agnostic behavior include, 

but are not limited to: Animals that are 

scheduled to be bred grouped separately until 

bred per reproductive program protocol.

2.3.5 Animal handlers SHOULD be aware of 

the animal welfare problems that may be 

caused by mixing of inappropriate groups of 

cattle and provide adequate measures to 

minimize them (e.g. introduction of heifers in 

a new group, mixing of animals at different 

production stages that have different dietary 

needs).

2.3.6 Horned and non-horned cattle SHOULD

not be mixed because of the risk of injury.

2.4 Space Allowance

2.4.1 Cattle in all production systems 

SHOULD be offered adequate space for 

comfort and socialization.

2.4.2 Space allowance SHOULD be managed 

taking into account different areas for lying, 

standing and feeding. Crowding SHOULD not 

adversely affect normal behavior of cattle and 

durations of time spent lying.

2.4 3 All cattle SHOULD be able to rest, and 

each animal lie down, stand up and move 

freely. In growing animals, space allowance 

SHOULD also be managed such that weight 

gain is not adversely affected. If abnormal 

behavior is seen, corrective measures 

SHOULD be taken, such as increasing space 

allowance, redefining the areas available for 

lying, standing and feeding.
Agricultural Quality Assessment Division QAD 1060C Checklist

Marketing 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0258 June 1, 2019

Service Washington, DC 20250 Page 12 of 18

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. Approved by_________ JW

Date Issued: 07/20/17

2.4.4 In pastured systems, stocking density 

SHOULD depend on the available feed and 

water supply and pasture quality.

2.5 Protection from Predators

2.5.1 Cattle SHOULD be protected from 

predators.

2.6 Genetic Selection

2.6.1 Welfare and health considerations, in 

addition to productivity, SHOULD be taken 

into account when choosing a breed or 

subspecies for a particular location or 

production system.

2.6.2 In breeding programs, attention 

SHOULD be paid to criteria conducive to the 

improvement of cattle welfare, including 

health. The conservation and development of 

genetic lines of dairy cattle, which limit or 

reduce animal welfare problems, SHOULD be 

encouraged. Examples of such criteria include 

nutritional maintenance requirement, disease 

resistance and heat tolerance.

2.6.3 Individual animals within a breed 

SHOULD be selected to propagate offspring 

that exhibit traits beneficial to animal health 

and welfare by promoting robustness and 

longevity. These include resistance to 

infectious and production related diseases, 

ease of calving, fertility, body conformation 

and mobility, and temperament.

2.7 Artificial Insemination, Pregnancy Diagnosis and Embryo Transfer

2.7.1 Semen collection SHOULD be carried 

out by a trained operator in a manner that does 

not cause pain or distress to the bull and any 

teaser animal used during collection. Most 

dairies do not collect semen. If a dairy has a 

bull at all it will be a “clean up” bull and 

used for natural mating for those cows that 

were found open after insemination.

Per 

Industry, 

N/A since

semen 

collection 

does not 

apply to all 

dairies.

2.7.2 Artificial insemination and pregnancy 

diagnosis SHOULD be performed by a 

competent operator in a manner that does not 

cause pain or distress.

2.7.3 Embryo transfer SHOULD be performed 

under an epidural or other anesthesia by a 

trained operator, preferably a veterinarian or a 

veterinary para-professional.

2.8 Dam and Sire Selection and Calving Management

2.8.1 Dystocia is a welfare risk to dairy cattle. 

Heifers SHOULD not be bred before they 

reach the stage of physical maturity sufficient 

to ensure the health and welfare of both dam 

and calf at birth. The sire has a highly 

heritable effect on final calf size and as such 

can have a significant impact on ease of 
Agricultural Quality Assessment Division QAD 1060C Checklist

Marketing 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0258 June 1, 2019

Service Washington, DC 20250 Page 13 of 18

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. Approved by_________ JW

Date Issued: 07/20/17

calving. Sire selection for embryo 

implantation, insemination or natural mating, 

SHOULD take into account the maturity and 

size of the female.

2.8.2 Pregnant cows and heifers SHOULD be 

managed during pregnancy so as to achieve an 

appropriate body condition range for the 

breed. Excessive fatness increases the risk of 

dystocia and metabolic disorders during late 

pregnancy or after parturition.

2.8.3 Cows and heifers SHOULD be 

monitored when they are close to calving. 

Animals observed to be having difficulty in 

calving SHOULD be assisted by a competent 

handler as soon as possible after they are 

detected. When a caesarean section is 

required, it must be carried out by a 

veterinarian.

2.9 Newborn Calves

2.9.1 Calving aids SHOULD not be used to 

speed the birthing process, and SHOULD not 

cause undue pain, distress, or further medical 

problems.

2.9.2 Newborn calves are susceptible to 

hypothermia. The temperature and ventilation 

of the birthing area SHOULD consider the 

needs of the newborn calf. Soft, dry bedding 

and supplemental heat can help prevent cold 

stress.

2.9.4 Animal handlers SHOULD ensure that 

calves receive colostrum or colostrum replacer 

of a satisfactory quality, within 24 hours of 

birth, and in sufficient quantity, to provide 

passive immunity.

2.9.5 Recently born calves SHOULD not be 

transported until the navel is dry or 

disinfected, and after which time any transport 

required SHOULD be carried out in 

accordance with Chapter 7.3.

Examples of why navel “dipping” include, 

but are not limited to: The navel may be wet if 

the dairy “dips” the navel. Navels are dipped 

in a disinfectant to stop bacteria from 

infecting the calf via the navel. Dipping the 

navel has the same effect as letting the navel 

dry.

2.9.6 Calves SHOULD be handled and moved 

in a manner which minimizes distress and 

avoids pain and injury.

2.10 Cow-calf Separation and Weaning

2.10.1 Calves SHOULD be weaned only 

when their ruminant digestive system has 

developed sufficiently to enable them to 

maintain growth, health and good welfare.
Agricultural Quality Assessment Division QAD 1060C Checklist

Marketing 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0258 June 1, 2019

Service Washington, DC 20250 Page 14 of 18

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. Approved by_________ JW

Date Issued: 07/20/17

2.10.2 Dairy cattle producers SHOULD seek 

expert advice on the most appropriate time 

and method of weaning for their type of cattle 

and production system.

2.11 Rearing of Replacement Stock

2.11.1 Young calves are at particular risk of 

thermal stress. Special attention SHOULD be 

paid to management of the thermal 

environment (e.g. provision of additional 

bedding, nutrition or protection to maintain 

warmth and appropriate growth).

2.11.2 Individual calf-housing may facilitate 

monitoring of health of very young calves and 

minimize the risk of disease spread, but 

replacement stock SHOULD then be reared in 

groups. Animals in groups SHOULD be of 

similar age and physical size.

2.11.3 Whether reared individually or in 

group pens, each calf SHOULD have enough 

space to be able to turn around, rest, stand up 

and groom comfortably and see other animals. 

2.11.4 Replacement stock SHOULD be 

monitored for cross-sucking and appropriate 

measures taken to prevent this occurring (e.g. 

provide sucking devices, revise or modify 

feeding practices, provide other environmental 

enrichments).

2.11.5 Particular attention SHOULD be paid 

to the nutrition, including trace elements, of 

growing replacement stock to ensure good 

health and that they achieve an appropriate 

growth curve for the breed and farming 

objectives.

2.12 Milking Management

2.12.1 Milking, whether by hand or machine, 

SHOULD be carried out in a calm and 

considerate manner in order to avoid pain and 

distress. Special attention SHOULD be paid to 

the hygiene of personnel, the udder and 

milking equipment. All cows SHOULD be 

checked for abnormal milk at every milking. 

2.12.2 Milking machines, especially 

automated milking systems, SHOULD be 

used and maintained in a manner which 

minimizes injury to teats and udders. 

Manufacturers of such equipment SHOULD

provide operating instructions that consider 

animal welfare. This is an N/A for this 

checklist siting the regulation already in 

place through FDA: 

https://www.fda.gov/downloads/food/guida

nceregulation/guidancedocumentsregulator

yinformation/milk/ucm513508.pdf

Per 

Industry, 

N/A for this 

checklist

since 

regulation 

in place 

through 

FDA.
Agricultural Quality Assessment Division QAD 1060C Checklist

Marketing 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0258 June 1, 2019

Service Washington, DC 20250 Page 15 of 18

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. Approved by_________ JW

Date Issued: 07/20/17

2.12.3 A regular milking routine SHOULD be 

established relevant to the stage of lactation 

and the capacity of the system.

2.12.4 Animal handlers SHOULD regularly 

check the information provided by the milking 

system and act accordingly to protect the 

welfare of the cows.

2.12.5 Special care SHOULD be paid to 

animals being milked for the first time. They 

SHOULD be familiarized with the milking 

facility prior to giving birth.

2.12.6 Long waiting times before and after 

milking can lead to health and welfare 

problems (e.g. lameness, reduced time to eat). 

Management SHOULD ensure that waiting 

times are minimized.

2.13 Painful Husbandry Procedures

2.13 Husbandry practices are routinely carried 

out in cattle for reasons of management, 

animal welfare and human safety. Those 

practices that have the potential to cause pain 

SHOULD be performed in such a way as to 

minimize any pain and stress to the animal. 

Such procedures SHOULD be performed at as 

early an age as possible or using anesthesia or 

analgesia under the recommendation or 

supervision of a veterinarian.

2.13.1 Disbudding and Dehorning

2.13.1.1 Thermal cautery of the horn bud by a 

trained operator with proper equipment is the 

recommended method in order to minimize 

post-operative pain. This SHOULD be done at 

an appropriate age before the horn bud has 

attached to the skull.

2.13.1.2 Guidance from a veterinarian or 

veterinary para-professional as to the optimum 

method and timing for the type of cattle and 

production system SHOULD be sought. The 

use of anesthesia and analgesia are strongly 

recommended when performing disbudding, 

and SHOULD always be used when 

dehorning. Appropriate restraint systems and 

procedures are required when disbudding or 

dehorning.

2.13.1.3 Other methods of disbudding include: 

removal of the horn buds with a knife and the 

application of chemical paste to cauterize the 

horn buds. Where chemical paste is used, 

special attention SHOULD be paid to avoid 

chemical burns to other parts of the calf or to 

other calves. This method is not recommended 

for calves older than two weeks.

2.13.1.4 Operators SHOULD be trained and 

competent in the procedure used, and be able 

to recognize the signs of pain and 
Agricultural Quality Assessment Division QAD 1060C Checklist

Marketing 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0258 June 1, 2019

Service Washington, DC 20250 Page 16 of 18

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. Approved by_________ JW

Date Issued: 07/20/17

complications that may include excessive 

bleeding or sinus infection.

2.13.2 Tail Docking

2.13.2.1 Tail docking does not improve the 

health and welfare of dairy cattle and 

therefore it is not recommended. As an 

alternative, trimming of tail hair SHOULD be 

considered where maintenance of hygiene is a 

problem.

2.13.3 Identification

2.13.3.1 Ear-tagging, ear-notching, tattooing, 

branding and radio frequency identification 

devices (RFID) are methods of permanently 

identifying dairy cattle. The least invasive 

approach SHOULD be adopted whichever 

method is chosen (e.g. the least number of ear 

tags per ear and the smallest notch practical). 

It SHOULD be accomplished quickly, 

expertly and with proper equipment. 

2.13.3.2 Freeze branding and branding with a 

hot iron SHOULD be avoided where 

alternative identification methods exist (e.g. 

electronic identification or ear-tags). When 

branding is used, the operator SHOULD be 

competent in procedures used and be able to 

recognize signs of complications.

2.13.3.3 Identification systems SHOULD be 

established.

2.14 Inspection and Handling

2.14.1 Dairy cattle SHOULD be inspected at 

intervals appropriate to the production system 

and the risks to the health and welfare of the 

cattle. Lactating cows SHOULD be inspected 

at least once a day. Some animals SHOULD

be inspected more frequently, for example, 

neonatal calves, cows in late gestation, newly 

weaned calves, cattle experiencing 

environmental stress and those that have 

undergone painful husbandry procedures or 

veterinary treatment.

2.14.2 Dairy cattle identified as sick or injured 

SHOULD be given appropriate treatment at 

the first available opportunity by competent 

animal handlers. If animal handlers are unable 

to provide appropriate treatment, the services 

of a veterinarian SHOULD be sought.

2.14.3 Handling aids that may cause pain and 

distress (e.g. electric goads) SHOULD be 

used only in extreme circumstances and 

provided that the animal can move freely. 

Dairy cattle SHOULD not be prodded in 

sensitive areas including the udder, face, eyes, 

nose or ano-genital region. Electric prods 

SHOULD not be used on calves.
Agricultural Quality Assessment Division QAD 1060C Checklist

Marketing 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0258 June 1, 2019

Service Washington, DC 20250 Page 17 of 18

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. Approved by_________ JW

Date Issued: 07/20/17

2.14.4 Where dogs are used as an aid for cattle 

herding they SHOULD be properly trained. 

Animal handlers SHOULD be aware that 

presence of dogs can stress the cattle and 

cause fear and SHOULD keep them under 

control at all times. The use of dogs is not 

appropriate in housed systems, collection 

yards or other small enclosures where the 

cattle cannot move freely away. For more 

information on dogs utilize BQA:

“Properly trained dogs can be effective 

and humane tools for cattle handling. 

Insure that rough handling, barking 

and impeding of cattle flow is 

minimized (Page 98).”

http://www.bqa.org/Media/BQA/Docs/nat

ionalmanual.pdf

Per 

Industry, 

N/A since

dogs are 

not 

typically 

used in the 

U.S. dairy 

industry

2.14.5 Cattle are adaptable to different visual 

environments. However, exposure of cattle to 

sudden movement or changes in visual 

contrasts SHOULD be minimized where 

possible to prevent stress and fear reactions. 

2.14.6 Electroimmobilisation SHOULD not 

be used.

Per 

Industry, 

N/A since 

electroimm

obilisation 

is not a 

practice 

that is used 

in the U.S.

2.15 Personnel Training

2.15.1 All people responsible for dairy cattle 

SHOULD be competent in accordance with 

their responsibilities and SHOULD

understand cattle husbandry, animal handling, 

milking routines, reproductive management 

techniques, behavior, biosecurity, signs of 

disease, and indicators of poor animal welfare 

such as stress, pain and discomfort, and their 

alleviation.

2.16 Disaster Management

2.16.1 Plans SHOULD be in place to 

minimize and mitigate the effect of disasters 

(e.g. earthquake, fire, drought, flooding, 

blizzard, and hurricane). Such plans may 

include evacuation procedures, identifying 

high ground, maintaining emergency feed and 

water stores, destocking and humane killing 

when necessary.

2.16.2 In times of drought, animal 

management decisions SHOULD be made as 

early as possible and these SHOULD include 

a consideration of reducing cattle numbers.
Agricultural Quality Assessment Division QAD 1060C Checklist

Marketing 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0258 June 1, 2019

Service Washington, DC 20250 Page 18 of 18

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. Approved by_________ JW

Date Issued: 07/20/17

2.16.3 Humane killing procedures for sick or 

injured cattle SHOULD be part of the disaster 

management plan.

2.17 Humane Killing

2.17.1 For sick and injured cattle a prompt 

diagnosis SHOULD be made to determine 

whether the animal SHOULD be treated or 

humanely killed.

2.17.2 The decision to kill an animal 

humanely and the procedure itself SHOULD

be undertaken by a competent person.

Reasons for humane killing may include:

– severe emaciation, weak cattle that are nonambulatory or at risk of becoming non 

ambulatory;

– non-ambulatory cattle that will not stand up, 

refuse to eat or drink, have not responded to 

therapy;

– rapid deterioration of a medical condition 

for which therapies have been unsuccessful;

– severe, debilitating pain;

– compound (open) fracture;

– spinal injury;

– central nervous system disease; 

– multiple joint infections with chronic weight 

loss; 

– calves that are premature and unlikely to 

survive, have a debilitating congenital defect, 

or otherwise

unwanted; and

– as part of disaster management response.

NOTE: When this checklist is complete, print to ADOBE and add to the audit documentation.