Tail Docking of Dairy Cattle

Position

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) is opposed to the docking of the tails of dairy cattle as a management aid.

Background

“The practice of tail docking of dairy cattle has evolved with the assumption that this procedure will reduce the somatic cell count and risk of mastitis. These perceived benefits have not been substantiated in the scientific studies to date. Furthermore, it has been shown that cows are unable to effectively keep flies away once the tail is docked. The CVMA does not accept the exposure of an animal to a surgical procedure in the absence of a justifiable benefit. Tail docking is often performed as a management aid to increase the comfort and the convenience of the milker while working with the dairy cow. The CVMA encourages the development of alternative management techniques to deal with these concerns, as this type of alteration to living animals for management purposes is unacceptable. The development of such alternatives should involve a variety of stakeholders, including designers and manufacturers of animal equipment and housing.”

(Revised July 2003)