7 June 2018

2 minute read

Across the world, the well-being and health of animals is vital to livestock professionals; with many creating innovative and unique ways to maintain a high-standard of care for their animals. To support this commitment and to recognise on-going efforts to advance animal well-being, Bayer has launched a global grant initiative #Care4Cattle.

The Care4Cattle initiative is available to professionals that have worked towards enriching dairy and beef cattle well-being in original and practice-oriented way on farm level. Well-being innovation is not always complicated or expensive. Small changes to a cow’s resting area or movement tracks, or providing a novel form of environmental enrichment, can have significant impact. Successful applicants will be allocated part of a €30,000 grant fund and will be selected by a jury of independent animal well-being experts, alongside representatives from the World Farmers Organisation and Bayer.

Submissions are welcome from farmers, farm animal keepers, or practicing veterinarians working closely with farmers to implement well-being advancements, as well as researchers and graduate students in veterinary medicine or animal science who engage with farmers in the research on cattle well-being.

Example innovations:

An effective innovation which has been used to improve the well-being of cows is ‘Cow Brushes’. These wall or ceiling-mounted automatic brushes help improve the circulation and metabolism of the animal, along with helping it to groom itself. The brush can detect the cow, meaning the animal can use the machine at all times. This Cow Brush is a brilliant example of a low maintenance innovation that can improve the well-being of an animal.

How to enter?

Entries are to be submitted online at: http://go.bayer.com/Care4Cattle

Grant application submissions should include:

1. A completed submission form
- Submissions are accepted until 25 June 2018

2. A project proposal
- This should include clear objectives for the project and logistical details, including the proposed utilisation of the grant, or milestones/results of an already ongoing project

3. A letter of motivation
- Explain why you believe the project should be awarded the grant

Entries will be judged on their:

• Innovative approach
• Impact on cattle well-being
• Added value to farming operations
• Relevance and feasibility in practice
• Economic viability