National Milk Producers Federation Decision to Stop the

National Milk Producers Federation Decision to Stop the Practice of Tail Docking Quality Milk Conference February 9, 2016 M. Gatz Riddell, Jr. , DVM Executive Vice President American Association of Bovine Practitioners

Fax received at the AABP Headquarters February 3, 2016

How Did We Get Here? 1. NMPF perspective (from an outsider looking in) 2. AABP process and perspective – 1990 to today a) 2 committees b) 3 iterations c) Animated and volatile discussions – AABP Board 3. Species examples – similarities and differences 4. Legislation, regulation, policy and market access 5. Science versus emotion

What about tail docking? • The National Dairy FARM Program has opposed the routine tail docking of dairy cows since the Program started in 2009. • In 2012, the NMPF Board approved a phase-out time period of 2022. This phase out was recently accelerated by 5 years. • Customers rank the issue of tail docking as paramount in their animal care concerns for dairy. • In order to protect the integrity of the Program, it was imperative that the dairy industry act proactively and decisively on this issue.

Tail Docking Resolution • “NMPF’s National Dairy FARM (Farmers Assuring Responsible Management” opposed the routine tail docking of dairy animals, except in cases of traumatic injury to the animal. This practice will be phased out on January 1, 2017. Switch trimming is recommended as the preferred alternative. Acknowledging animal cruelty laws, NMPF opposes efforts to prescribe specific on-farm animal care practices through federal, state, or local legislative action or regulatory action. ”

MORE Information Emily Meredith EMeredith@NMPF. org (703) 243 -6111

AABP’s Early Discussions

AABP Position Statements 1998: The AABP Animal Welfare Committee recognizes that tail docking in cattle is an increasingly common management practice. The Committee is not aware of information, clearly supporting or condemning tail docking, that is based on well-designed and executed research studies that use scientifically valid methods with clinically relevant outcomes reported in peer-reviewed publications. The Committee encourages AABP members to collaborate with scientists to generate such information. The Committee reached consensus that if the procedure is carried out, it should be done as young as practical using appropriate techniques.

Tail Docking – Scientific Literature

Suggested Benefits of Tail Docking 1. Improved cow and udder cleanliness 2. Reduced incidence of mastitis and improved milk hygiene 3. Reduced risk of leptospirosis in milkers 4. Reduced incidence of tail injury and improved performance

References 1. Stull CL, Payne MA, Berry SL, et al. Evaluation of the scientific justification for tail docking in dairy cattle. J Amer Vet Med Assoc 2002; 220(9): 1298 -1302. 2. Schreiner DA, Ruegg PL. Effects of tail docking on milk quality and cow cleanliness. J Dairy Sci 2002; 85: 2503 -2511. 3. Tucker CB, Fraser D, Weary DM. Tail docking dairy cattle: effects on cow cleanliness and udder health. J Dairy Sci 2001; 84: 84 -87. 4. Mackintosh CG, Schollum LM, Blackmore DK, et al. Epidemiology of leptospirosis in dairy farm workers in the Manawatu, part II: a case-control study of high and low risk farms. NZ Vet J 1982; 30: 73 -76. 5. Eicher SD, Morrow-Tesch JL, Albright JL, et al. Tail-docking influences on behavioral, immunological, and endocrine responses in dairy heifers. J Dairy Sci 2000; 83: 1456 -1462.

AABP Position Statements 2005: The AABP is not aware of sufficient scientific evidence in the literature to support tail docking in cattle. However, if tail docking is deemed as necessary for proper care and management of production animals in certain conditions, veterinarians should counsel clients on proper procedures, benefits, and risks. 2010: The AABP opposes the routine tail docking of cattle. Current scientific literature indicates that routine tail docking provides no benefit to the animal.

Tail Docking of Cattle - AVMA The AVMA opposes routine tail docking of cattle. Current scientific literature indicates that routine tail docking provides no benefit to the animal, and that tail docking can lead to distress during fly seasons. When medically necessary, amputation of tails must be performed by a licensed veterinarian.

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Companies using only Cage-free Eggs Aramark (for shell eggs) Boston University Centerplate (for shell eggs) Compass Group (for shell eggs) Cracker Barrel Google Harvard University Hyatt Hotels Krispy Kreme Marriott International Red Robin Sodexo (for shell eggs) UCLA Unilever (in its Light Hellmann’s Mayonnaise recipe and Ben & Jerry’s) Virgin America Airlines Whole Foods

Scientific Support for Tail Docking of Dairy Cattle 1. There is no scientific support for tail docking of dairy cattle

Tail Docking in Dairy Cattle 1. Stull CL, Payne MA, Berry SL, et al. Evaluation of the scientific justification for tail docking in dairy cattle. J Amer Vet Med Assoc 2002; 220(9): 1298 -1302. 2. Schreiner DA, Ruegg PL. Effects of tail docking on milk quality and cow cleanliness. J Dairy Sci 2002; 85: 2503 -2511. 3. Tucker CB, Fraser D, Weary DM. Tail docking dairy cattle: effects on cow cleanliness and udder health. J Dairy Sci 2001; 84: 84 -87. 4. Mackintosh CG, Schollum LM, Blackmore DK, et al. Epidemiology of leptospirosis in dairy farm workers in the Manawatu, part II: a case-control study of high and low risk farms. NZ Vet J 1982; 30: 73 -76. 5. Eicher SD, Morrow-Tesch JL, Albright JL, et al. Tail-docking influences on behavioral, immunological, and endocrine responses in dairy heifers. J Dairy Sci 2000; 83: 1456 -1462.

If not Science, then What? 1. Legislation – Proposition 2 in California a) Gestation crates b) Battery cages c) Veal calves 2. California – Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act a) Prohibited tail docking after 2010 3. Market access 4. Emotion always trumps science 5. Low hanging fruit

National Milk Producers Federation Decision to Stop the Practice of Tail Docking Quality Milk Conference February 9, 2016 M. Gatz Riddell, Jr. , DVM Executive Vice President American Association of Bovine Practitioners

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