6.1 Stockmanship

MUST CRITERIA

• There must be a designated person who has overall responsibility for the herd, including the duty to ensure that all staff with responsibility for cows have knowledge of the requirements of the National Dairy Farm Assured Scheme.

• The designated person, or the person deputising for him/her in times of prolonged absence (including relief milkers), must be able to manage the herd and dairy farming activities effectively and competently and is responsible for the record keeping requirements of the scheme.

• All dairy cattle must be inspected at least once daily, and lactating cows and those close to calving at least twice daily.

• Lactating cows must be milked, at least once a day by competent persons.

• Farmers must have a copy of the DEFRA Code of Welfare for Cattle and all stockmen must follow good welfare practice which recognises the Five Freedoms:

• Freedom from hunger and thirst;

• Freedom from discomfort;

• Freedom from pain, injury or disease;

• Freedom to perform normal patterns of behaviour, and
  

• Freedom from fear or distress.

6.2 Training

MUST CRITERIA

• Training records must be maintained for all relevant staff.

6.3 Cattle Transport

MUST CRITERIA

• Farmers must be aware of the requirements for cattle to be transported in a way that does not cause injury or unnecessary suffering to the animal.

• Farmers must observe the relevant EU and UK Legislation and Codes of Practice where own transport is carried out, and maintain the appropriate transport records.

• Farmers must select cattle markets, abattoirs and hauliers with care to comply with good welfare practice and observe all the relevant UK and EU legislation and Codes of Practice.

6.4 Complaints

MUST CRITERIA

• Farmers must record all written complaints received within the scope of NDFAS together with details of actions taken to resolve the problem and prevent reoccurrence.