Farm Animal Welfare

Grass-Based Dairy: Welfare and Sustainability

Pasture-based dairy systems offer significant welfare advantages over zero-grazing systems while often delivering sustainability benefits.

Key Facts

Grass-based dairy cows show more positive welfare indicators than housed cows
Access to pasture enables cattle to perform natural grazing and social behaviors
The Pasture Promise label in the UK guarantees 180 days outdoor access per year
Grass-based production can be lower-carbon than intensive housed systems
Consumer premiums for grass-fed dairy make pasture systems economically viable

Welfare Considerations

Pasture access is one of the most impactful welfare improvements available for dairy cows. Grass-based management allows natural grazing behavior, social group stability, and reduced lameness from hard flooring. Evidence consistently shows lower cortisol levels and more positive behaviors in pastured versus housed cows. Consumer demand for pasture-based dairy drives market incentives for welfare improvement.

What You Can Do

Choose Pasture Promise or equivalent grass-based dairy products
Ask supermarkets and food companies about their dairy sourcing policies
Support campaigns for outdoor access standards in dairy certification
Visit farms with genuine pasture-based systems to understand the difference