Comparison of the welfare of beef cattle in housed and grazing systems: hormones, health and behaviour

Summary

This comparative study assessed welfare outcomes in beef cattle managed under two contrasting systems: continuous housing (HH) versus seasonal grazing with winter housing (HG). Whilst physical health indicators were broadly similar, cattle with access to summer grazing exhibited significantly more positive behavioural assessments and lower nasal discharge, suggesting welfare benefits despite paradoxically elevated hair cortisol concentrations in the grazing group. The findings suggest that seasonal grazing access may improve cattle welfare through behavioural and some health dimensions, though the cortisol pattern warrants further investigation regarding acute versus chronic stress responses.

UK applicability

These findings are directly applicable to United Kingdom beef production, where housing versus grazing decisions are routine management choices. The results provide evidence supporting welfare-oriented policy and certification schemes that encourage seasonal or summer grazing access, though producers should be aware that behavioural and health improvements may not necessarily correlate with reduced physiological stress markers.

Key measures

Body condition, cleanliness, diarrhoea, hairlessness, nasal discharge, ocular discharge, hair cortisol concentration, nasal mucus cortisol, serotonin, qualitative behaviour assessments (QBA) across two principal components (arousal and mood), performance metrics

Outcomes reported

The study compared welfare indicators across two beef cattle production systems (continuous housing versus winter housing with summer grazing) from weaning to slaughter, measuring physical health, behavioural assessments, and stress biomarkers. Summer grazing systems demonstrated more positive behavioural profiles and lower nasal discharge prevalence, despite elevated hair cortisol levels.

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