Weaning is a major welfare event for calves requiring careful management to reduce stress and support healthy behavioral development.
Calf weaning welfare is determined by the combination of management factors surrounding the transition from milk to solid feed. Abrupt weaning imposes simultaneous social loss, nutritional transition, and often environmental change — a cumulative welfare burden that manifests as extended vocalization, reduced activity, and suppressed immunity in the weeks following. Stepwise approaches that reduce milk allowance gradually before complete removal, combined with fence-line contact between mothers and calves, significantly reduce the acute stress response. Ensuring high-quality palatable starter feed is available before weaning completion maintains intake and reduces the nutritional challenge of the transition period.