Animal Liberation Queensland is running a new campaign emphasising the suffering that dairy cows and their calves endure so humans can have milk products.

It tells the story of male calf Bobby who is shot at five days old, and his mother Daisy who is killed when her milk supply declines, and argues these cows "miss out on leading a good long life, but you won't miss out on anything by ditching dairy".

The Ditch Dairy campaign also questions the nutritional benefits of dairy. "From a nutritional point of view, there are many reasons to avoid dairy," the website states, citing links between dairy and cancer and heart disease. "There's significant scientific evidence suggesting [dairy] is harmful to your body."

The campaign suggests the calcium contained in dairy doesn't make for strong bones.

Animal Liberation Queensland president Chay Neal said the campaign was designed to encourage people to consider the "plenty of alternatives to dairy that are cruelty-free".

But the claims contradict the federal government's official nutrition advice. The National Health and Medical Research Council's dietary guidelines state that "dairy foods are the best source of calcium" and "a good source of protein, vitamin A, and some B vitamins". The guidelines also cite evidence that consuming dairy can reduce the risk of some heart diseases and cancers, and improve bone density.

A spokesperson for the NHMRC said the organisation stood by its dietary advice. "There are numerous groups advocating specific diets and fad diets," the spokesperson said.

"The NHMRC stands by its Australian Dietary Guidelines, as they represent the synthesis of over 55,000 scientific studies, and comprehensive consultation with a wide range of health, industry and consumer organisations."

Nutritionists were particularly concerned about the implications ditching dairy could have for children.

The Healthy Kids Association accused Animal Liberation Queensland of "victimising a food group to plug a message". Health promotion officer Elizabeth Stathakis said studies showed Australian children weren't getting enough calcium.

Ms Stathakis said it could be difficult for children to eat the required serves of dairy if they were lactose intolerant or chose not to consume dairy.

"You'll need to be a fan of soy drinks, salmon and sardines with bones, and a lot of broccoli, almonds and spinach. A minority of children would choose to eat these things if the alternative is a glass of milk."

Mr Neal said that while the Ditch Dairy campaign wasn't offering detailed dietary advice, "there is recognition around the world that vegan and dairy-free diets are suitable for any stage of life".

Nutrition Australia's senior nutritionist Aloysa Hourigan said the Ditch Dairy campaign was "a bit irresponsible".

"It's not very wise to give the idea that milk is bad for you," she said. "Apart from supplying calcium, dairy foods are a good source of protein, vitamins and minerals that are very important for young children's diets."

Acknowledging that Dairy Australia is one of Nutrition Australia's sponsors, Ms Hourigan said that apart from soy milk, none of the dairy alternatives offered adequate protein for children, and often had added sugars. She said that people concerned about animal welfare could seek out organic dairy products.