Summary
This field trial examines three management regimes for cow-calf contact in pasture-based dairy production, assessing impacts on calf welfare, performance and farm labour. The research addresses practical trade-offs between calf health and welfare outcomes against labour efficiency and production economics in systems where separated rearing is standard practice. Findings are likely to inform evidence-based management decisions for farmers seeking to balance animal welfare with operational viability.
UK applicability
Directly applicable to UK pasture-based dairy farming, where calf separation practices are common but increasing consumer and welfare concern. Results may inform Defra guidance and organic certification standards that increasingly scrutinise early cow-calf separation.
Key measures
Calf health indicators (morbidity, mortality), growth rate (daily weight gain), behavioural metrics (nursing, play, social behaviour), dam–calf interaction patterns, farm labour hours
Outcomes reported
The study compared calf health outcomes, behavioural responses, growth performance, and labour requirements across three contact regimes (full-time, part-time, and no contact between dam and calf) in pasture-based dairy systems. Measures likely included calf morbidity/mortality, feeding behaviour, weight gain, and farm labour time allocation.
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