Environmental enrichment for cattle improves welfare through providing positive experiences and supporting natural behaviour expression.
Cattle enrichment has historically been neglected compared to pigs and poultry, but evidence demonstrates clear benefits. Rotating brushes activate grooming behaviour that cattle find rewarding, reducing cortisol and improving immune function. Novel objects introduced to calf groups reduce fear responses to novelty in adult life. Positive stockperson interactions that go beyond task-focused handling toward consistent gentle contact create cattle that approach rather than avoid humans, reducing handling stress throughout their productive lives. Incorporating enrichment into cattle welfare standards recognises that welfare requires positive experiences, not just the absence of suffering.