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410. It is a common practice to send dairy cattle to market or to agricultural shows with overstocked udders. That is, the cow is not milked on the morning of the show or sale. This has no benefit to the animal and is pursued simply in the interests of the owner who believes that the presentation of a cow with a full udder makes the cow more attractive to prospective buyers or judges.
411. In the FAWC Report on the Welfare of Livestock at Market (1986), the Council commented upon the lack of milking facilities at markets. We also recommended that overstocking of the udder should not be allowed. We reiterate these views and believe the recommendations apply equally to dairy cattle which are sent to agricultural shows.
412. Cows with overstocked udders suffer unnecessary pain and unnecessary distress which is against the law. They should therefore be milked routinely even when at shows or at market. Judges at shows should exclude animals which are leaking milk due to overstocking of the udder.
413. Where there is a significant throughput of dairy animals at markets or shows, adequate milking facilities should be provided.
414. Milking at markets or agricultural shows should only be carried out by competent, trained personnel.