Speaking up about animal welfare on-farm

The welfare of dairy cattle is a critical concern for both the ag­ricultural industry and the general public. Consumers, driven by an increasing awareness of animal welfare and ethical food production, have heightened expectations regarding the care provided to livestock. As part of the farm management team, veterinarians play a pivotal role in ensuring that these expecta­tions are met. They are not only responsible for treating diseas­es but also serve as advocates for the welfare of animals, mak­ing them the first line of defense in maintaining and improving dairy cattle welfare on farms. This presentation explores the role of veterinarians in safeguarding dairy cattle welfare, the grow­ing importance of consumer expectations, and the ethical obli­gation of veterinarians to address welfare concerns proactively.