The Fate of Exported Dairy Cows

Well no-one ever expected that exported dairy cows would be well looked after in China (or other countries).  And unlike slaughter animals, there is no supply chain assurance. ESCAS for all its problems, at least provides some “protection” for Australian animals. Our breeders and dairy animals have the rest of their lives to deal with the consequences of export.

And, surprise, surprise, its not just an animal welfare problem. With at least 56 Chinese dairy farms reportedly having 10000 or more cattle, giant piles of black manure tower over surrounding fields, while rancid-smelling effluent from thousands of cows spills onto the land of nearby farmers. And its not just manure….its the rubbish, the injections, the syringes….

Estimates say that just 3,500 cows can produce 100,000 tonnes of fluid waste and effluent a year. Chinese farms are required to process it into fertiliser, but regulations are often flouted. Farms in NZ, one of the leaders in dairy mega-farms, rarely exceed 3000 cows…and the NZers have the experience to deal with the environmental, biosecurity and welfare issues that arise. China do not……so humans and animals suffer.