Every year, the Australian red meat industry invests significant funding into research and development.
From 2018 to 2019, MLA invested $170.3 million, $94.2 million of which through MLA Donor Company (MDC). Through MDC, we collaborate with some of Australia’s leading researchers on ground-breaking animal welfare projects.
Research scientists play a crucial role in animal welfare and are able to spell out what livestock need in order to have a good wellbeing. Animal welfare is about raising livestock in a way that is beneficial for animals, and in turn produces benefits for farmers and consumers alike.
Animal welfare is a key focus of the industry’s strategic plan Red Meat 2030 which aims to work towards a better red meat future. Farmers recognize the responsibilities they have towards their animals and how their livestock’s wellbeing impacts the viability of every farm, transporter and processor in the supply chain.
Partnering for animal health and wellbeing
MLA collaborates with some of Australia’s leading researchers as part of the Strategic Partnership for Animal Welfare, Research and Development, (RD&A) which encompasses a group of organisations with a shared commitment to improving the Australian livestock industry’s already world-class animal welfare practices.
The RD&A partnership collaborates with research bodies across the country, notably Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO and the Animal Welfare Science Centre, which includes various academic institutions.
Research projects
MLA cooperates on numerous RD&A projects looking into improving or replacing adverse practices in the industry such as branding, dehorning, and castration. Other projects are animal health-focused and explore ways to improve the early detection of disease in livestock, to test immunity, and reduce mortality rates.
This allows us to raise the bar and work towards a safe and sustainable industry where Australian livestock are protected, while ensuring that we produce the highest quality products for consumers and trading partners.
The stronger our animal welfare systems, the better we can be aligned with the needs and demands of consumers and trading partners around the world, including the European Union.
ANIMAL WELFAREPRODUCTIONANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE
Article Date: 9th March 2020
