The Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF) is disappointed at the sensationalist picture painted of the UK dairy industry during last night's (February 14) BBC Panorama programme, which showed several cases of animal abuse and questioned cow and calf welfare.

The programme titled ‘A Cow's Life: The True Cost of Milk?’ detailed numerous cases of animal abuse on a Welsh dairy farm, which the RABDF is saddened by.

It also highlighted lameness and the removal of calves from their mothers at birth.

RABDF managing director Matt Knight said: "UK dairy farmers operate to some of the highest welfare standards in the world due to the robust and comprehensive legal frameworks protecting animal welfare alongside the credible quality assurance schemes and initiatives that exist.

"Lameness was an issue highlighted on the programme with one vet suggesting up to 30% of cows expected to be lame in the UK.

"The industry is working hard to overcome lameness with diagnostic, early warning tools helping highlight the issues early.

"So, we are sad the BBC has chosen to highlight one farm where inexcusable abuse was witnessed, as this is not representative of our industry," he said.

Knight added: "While the inclusion of the Ethical Dairy in Scotland, whereby calves are kept with their mothers, showed high welfare, the system is not commercially viable for most dairy farmers, with the programme highlighting that most of the liquid milk was consumed by the calves.

"It is time milk and dairy products are valued correctly," added Knight.