Background

The Code of Welfare: Dairy Cattle states:[1]

The Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines unit with the Ministry for Primary Industries has advised that all products registered with a claim for induction are classed as Restricted Veterinary Medicines for the use of therapeutic induction. This means that nontherapeutic induction would be an off-label use of a medicine, requiring vet authorisation for use.

VCNZ position

Non-therapeutic induction of parturition in (dairy and beef) cattle is prohibited. It is not acceptable to induce otherwise healthy cows for economic and/or herd management purposes (e.g. to manipulate calving patterns).

Veterinarians must only undertake induction of parturition in cattle in therapeutic situations (i.e. where an individual animal is diagnosed with a condition that necessitates premature delivery of the calf in order to protect the welfare of the cow and/or calf).

Notes

• “Therapeutic” in this statement means “of, or relating to, the health and welfare of an animal”.
• The use of the word “must” in VCNZ standards indicates the minimum standard that all veterinarians are required to adhere to, and which they may be measured against.

See also

• Technical Advice: Cattle pregnancy termination considerations

1. Code of Welfare: Dairy Cattle 2019 The National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee ↑

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