This page provides detailed instructions for the auditor and defines how to evaluate each measure.

PAACO Example Audit

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This section follows the guidelines presented in the PAACO Example Audit, the tool used in PAACO auditor training.
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The links below explain how to evaluate each measure. We recommend beginning with the principles of sampling.

Outcome-Based Measures 

Skin tent evaluation
Hygiene
Body condition
Tarsus (Hocks)
Carpus (Knees)
Locomotion
Broken tails
Other injuries
​Tail docking

Documentation and Protocols

Employee training
VCPR form
​Individual ID
Health records
Somatic cell count (SCC)
Non-ambulatory cow care
Humane euthanasia
Disbudding and other painful procedures
Fitness for transport
Calf care & Maternity pen management​

Facility-Based Measures

Water access and cleanliness
Thermal comfort
Air quality and lighting
​Enrichment
Hospital pen
Social housing
​Opportunity to suck
Forage
Low-stress heifer transition
Lying surface
​Ability to turn around
​Stocking density
Tiestall release and trainers
​Exercise
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Other

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The following measures are not formally included in any PAACO-certified audits, but they provide additional insights into the welfare of dairy cattle. These measures can be found in other assessments, such as the UCD Cow-Calf Assessment and Welfare Quality®​.

​Click on the links below to learn how to evaluate each of the measures.

Outcome-Based Measures

​Diarrhea 
Moving aid use ​ 
Nasal discharge
Ocular discharge 
Slipping ​​
​Stall lameness scoring
​​Tail twist
​Respiration rate
​Other

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