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

Summary

This comparative field study evaluated welfare outcomes across two beef cattle production systems—continuous housing (HH) and seasonal housing with summer grazing (HG)—using integrated physical health, neuroendocrine and behavioural assessments from weaning to slaughter. Whilst physical health indicators were largely similar, summer grazing afforded apparent welfare benefits through more positive behavioural assessments during grazing periods, despite elevated hair cortisol concentrations in the grazing group. The findings suggest that access to seasonal pasture may improve cattle welfare perception and behavioural expression, though the relationship between cortisol elevation and overall welfare requires further interpretation.

UK applicability

These findings are directly applicable to United Kingdom beef production systems, where seasonal and year-round housing strategies are both practised. The study provides evidence relevant to UK farm assurance schemes and animal welfare policy discussions regarding optimal housing and grazing management for beef cattle.

Key measures

Body condition, cleanliness, diarrhoea, hairlessness, nasal discharge, ocular discharge, hair cortisol, nasal mucus cortisol, serotonin, qualitative behaviour assessments (QBA), and performance metrics

Outcomes reported

The study compared physical health indicators, stress hormone levels (cortisol and serotonin), and behavioural assessments between continuously housed beef cattle and cattle housed seasonally with summer grazing. Results showed nasal discharge prevalence differed between systems, and qualitative behaviour assessments revealed more positive behavioural indicators in the grazing group, particularly during summer months.

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