National Dairy FARM Program: Animal Care 4 Reference Manual (2020-2022)

Overview

• The Animal Care Reference Manual is an educational resource for dairy farmers to maintain high standards of animal care.
• The FARM program, launched in 2009, aims to ensure responsible management and improve public trust in dairy farming.
• More than 98% of the U.S. milk supply comes from farms participating in the FARM program.

Program Implementation

• Created by the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) with support from Dairy Management, Inc. (DMI).
• Encompasses four areas: Animal Care, Environmental Stewardship, Antibiotic Stewardship, and Workforce Development.
• Includes on-farm best management practices and third-party verification.

Key Program Elements

Animal Care

• On-farm evaluations every three years to ensure best practices.
• Dedicated resources like manuals, templates, and training videos.

Veterinarian Review

• Farms must establish a Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) annually.
• Written herd health plans should be reviewed annually by the Veterinarian of Record (VOR).

Continuing Education

• Annual training for all employees with animal care responsibilities.
• Topics include stockmanship, pre-weaned calf care, and animal transport fitness.

Facility Management

• Facilities must provide clean water and adequate nutrition for all animals.
• Housing should allow animals to stand, lie, and move easily.
• Protection from environmental extremes is essential.

Animal Management

• Herd health plans should cover common diseases, vaccinations, and biosecurity.
• Written protocols for castration and branding are required.
• Procedures for observing animal health outcomes are defined.

Antibiotic Stewardship

• Farms must adhere to withdrawal times for milk and meat to avoid residues.
• Use drugs responsibly under veterinary guidance to prevent contamination.

Pre-Weaned Calves

• Calves should receive colostrum within 6 hours of birth.
• Provide fresh water and starter feed by day 3.
• Disbudding should occur before 8 weeks of age, with pain mitigation.

Non-Ambulatory Animals

• Proper techniques and equipment must be used to move non-ambulatory animals.
• Provide prompt medical care, feed, and protection from the elements.

Euthanasia

• Criteria for euthanasia should be established to ensure humane decisions.
• Follow approved methods by AABP and AVMA.

Fitness to Transport

• Protocols must ensure that only healthy animals are transported.
• Non-ambulatory or sick animals should not be transported.

Governance and Resources

• Managed by the NMPF and involves feedback from various committees.
• The FARM program's materials are regularly updated to reflect new research and best practices.

These notes provide a condensed summary of the manual, focusing on the implementation of animal care practices and governance within the U.S. dairy farming industry.