Disease and poor-standard housing conditions are the main welfare problems suffered by dairy cows.

Many of the common health problems experienced by the modern dairy cow are due to the physical demands of milk production.

Historically breeding for high milk yields has meant that cows have got bigger and more productive, but in many cases housing and management systems haven’t grown to accommodate them.

Dairy cattle have better lives under the RSPCA Assured scheme

The RSPCA welfare standards - which have herd health and cow comfort at their heart - have to be met for milk to be labelled RSPCA Assured:

• Cows must be provided with enough space and bedding to allow them to lie down and get up without injuring themselves
• They must also have environmental enrichment (eg cow brushes) they can use to groom and scratch themselves.

The RSPCA welfare standards for dairy cattle cover their entire lives, including when being transported.

The standards also have requirements covering health, diet, environment and care.

RSPCA Assured assessors and the RSPCA’s farm livestock officers check the welfare standards are being met.

Informed by scientific evidence and practical experience, the standards are much more detailed and strict than minimum legal requirements.

How you can help

You can help by looking for the logo and if you can't find it, ask your supermarket to stock it.

Want to know more?

You’ll find lots of information about the welfare of dairy cattle on the RSPCA website, including male dairy calves and long distance transport.

Watch the video of an RSPCA Assured assessor at a dairy farm: