Separate Stocking Density Standard for Smaller Jersey Cattle Introduced... Aimed at Expanding and Encouraging New Dairy Farms

A new standard for stocking density tailored to the characteristics of Jersey cattle, a breed suitable for dairy product production, will be introduced. As Jersey cattle are about 70% the size of Holstein cattle, the new standard will allow for a greater number of animals to be raised.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced that, reflecting changes in the livestock industry such as the growing demand for dairy products and to encourage the modernization of outdated livestock facilities such as temporary structures, the amendments to the Enforcement Decree and Enforcement Rules of the Livestock Industry Act were promulgated and went into effect on September 2, 2025.

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Currently, the stocking density standard for dairy cattle is based solely on Holstein cattle. As a result, even Jersey cattle, which are smaller in size (about 70% of the body volume of Holstein cattle), have had to adhere to the same standard, making it difficult to raise more animals. To promote the wider adoption of Jersey cattle, which are well-suited for producing high-quality dairy products due to their high milk fat and protein content, a separate stocking density standard reflecting their body type has been established. The Ministry expects this will encourage the expansion of existing Jersey cattle farms and facilitate the entry of new farms.

The standards for calculating stocking density for registered Hanwoo and beef cattle farms have also been rationalized. Under the current regulations, calves under three months old raised with their mothers are excluded from stocking density calculations. However, in practice, most transactions involve calves up to eight months old, so farms with small facilities (50 square meters or less) faced fines for exceeding stocking density once calves surpassed three months of age. To address this, the standard has been improved so that, for registered Hanwoo and beef cattle farms, calves up to eight months old are excluded from stocking density calculations, supporting the management stability of small-scale farms.

Installation standards have also been established for "raised-floor livestock facilities," which are biosecure facilities for raising chickens and ducks. These facilities separate animal waste from living areas and do not use bedding (cage flooring material), minimizing human and equipment entry and thus enhancing biosecurity. However, there were previously no installation standards for such facilities, hindering their adoption and spread. By specifying detailed installation criteria, the foundation has been laid for improving to modern facilities that are effective in preventing livestock diseases such as avian influenza (AI).

The requirements for installing passageways and bedding storage facilities on duck farms have also been rationalized. To prevent exposure to the AI virus during the transfer of ducklings between different barns and bedding replacement, a 2022 amendment to the enforcement decree required passageways and bedding storage facilities for breeding and commercial duck farm permits. However, the regulation required installation even when transfers were unnecessary, creating unnecessary restrictions. The rules have been improved so that these requirements apply only to farms that actually transfer ducklings, and the obligation to install bedding storage facilities is waived if there is a separately partitioned storage space inside the barn.

The weight standard for performance testing of breeding pigs has been changed from 90 kg to 105 kg. Previously, performance testing was conducted from 35 kg until reaching 90 kg, including measurements such as days to reach the target weight and daily weight gain, but there were concerns that the end point did not reflect the increased market shipment weight.

With the adjustment of the performance testing standard for breeding pigs to 105 kg, closer to the market shipment weight, the licensing standard for semen processing businesses has also been reset to 105 kg. The Ministry expects this will allow for a more accurate assessment of the genetic traits of breeding pigs and contribute to improving the quality of fattening pigs.

The qualification requirements for personnel at livestock improvement institutions have been relaxed. Previously, to be designated as a livestock improvement institution, a person was required to have a livestock industry engineer certificate and at least two years of experience in breeding or genetics after obtaining the qualification. However, the "post-certification experience requirement" was seen as a barrier to entry for young talent. To lower this barrier and ensure a stable supply of personnel in the livestock improvement field, experience gained prior to obtaining the qualification will now also be recognized.

Ahn Yongdeok, Director General for Livestock Policy at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, stated, "This amendment to the Enforcement Decree and Enforcement Rules of the Livestock Industry Act is a regulatory rationalization measure that reflects the diversification of livestock breeds and changes in consumption patterns, thereby reducing the management burden on farms and contributing to the establishment of a sustainable livestock industry foundation." He added, "We will continue to incorporate feedback from the field to strengthen the competitiveness of the livestock industry."

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