Significant Reduction in Pure-Bred Dairy Bull Calves in the UK

The GB Dairy Calf Strategy, initiated by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) and the National Farmers' Union (NFU) in 2020, has led to substantial progress in the British dairy industry. The strategy aims to integrate all dairy-bred calves into productive roles within dairy or beef supply chains, actively preventing the routine euthanasia of calves.

Since its inception, key areas of focus have included leveraging new market routes and supply chain opportunities for dairy-bred calves. The number of dairy bull calves born on British farms has declined by 65% over the past decade, while the birth of beef cross dairy calves has seen a 77% increase.

Sarah Tomlinson, the leading veterinary science expert at AHDB, credited this achievement to the willingness of UK dairy producers to adapt, notably by adopting industry-backed practices such as using sexed semen, which now comprises 84% of dairy semen sales, and incorporating more beef semen in dairy breeding efforts.

Additionally, the updated Red Tractor standards mandate farm members to establish a written breeding and management policy, thus averting the routine euthanasia of bull calves.

This strategy has also facilitated important policy changes regarding bovine tuberculosis (TB) in England and Wales, such as extending the validity of pre-movement tests from 30 to 60 days for cattle moved from TB-restricted holdings to TB Isolation Units (TBIUs).

Looking forward to 2028, the strategy's next phase will emphasize nurturing market relationships within the beef supply chain while promoting the 'Buy British' sentiment to support local dairy and beef industries and reduce import reliance, as articulated by Gwyn Jones, Chair of Ruminant Health and Welfare.