New Zealand dairy giant, Fonterra, has updated it terms for its milk suppliers to stop the practice of calf slaughtering on farms for non-replacement animals – unless there are humane reasons for doing so.

From June, 2023, male or non-dairy calves must be used for other purposes such as meat or pet food. The mistreatment of calves has previously been under scrutiny after many were killed on farm due to having no financial value, plus there were also reports of mistreatment from contractors who picked them up to transport to abattoirs.

In a statement, Fonterra said: “We’re proud that Fonterra farmers are already world leaders when it comes to animal well-being. Consumers in New Zealand and around the world are increasingly looking for more assurances about the quality of life experienced by the animals who produce their food.

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“As part of our strategic choice to lead in sustainability, Fonterra places a strong emphasis on calf well-being and a big part of this is ensuring that all dairy calves have a useful life,” the statement continued. “This is why we have introduced a new clause within the terms of supply which means calves can only be euthanised on-farm when there are humane reasons for doing so.

“We understand sale options in parts of New Zealand are currently limited, which is why we’re actively collaborating with the wider industry, investing in research and development and exploring long-term solutions such as dairy-beef partnerships and opportunities,” the co-op added.

The Fonterra co-op is owned by around 9000 New Zealand farmers and is responsible for approximately 30% of the world’s dairy exports – with revenue exceeding NZ$22bn. It is the sixth-largest dairy company in the world and the biggest in the southern hemisphere.