Pasture Grazing and Cattle Welfare

Access to pasture grazing is fundamental to cattle welfare, enabling natural behaviour, social interaction, and physical health.

Key Facts

UK dairy cattle are housed indoors for an average of 5-6 months per year
Zero-grazing systems confine cattle indoors year-round in countries including the Netherlands and parts of the US
Grazing cattle show play behaviour and reduced stereotypies compared to housed cattle
Pasture access reduces lameness prevalence through exercise and natural hoof wear
RSPCA Assured dairy standards require a minimum 120 days of outdoor access per year

Welfare Considerations

Grazing is a highly motivated natural behaviour in cattle that satisfies locomotion, social, and foraging needs simultaneously. Cattle housed year-round without pasture access show more stereotypies, higher lameness rates, and reduced quality of life. Outdoor access enables natural hoof wear, vitamin D synthesis, and expression of play and social behaviour. Consumer demand for pasture-raised dairy and beef drives market incentives for outdoor access. Mandatory minimum outdoor access requirements for dairy cattle are an important welfare policy tool.

What You Can Do

Choose dairy and beef products from pasture-raised or grass-fed certified producers
Look for RSPCA Assured or Pasture Promise certification on dairy products
Advocate for mandatory minimum outdoor access days in dairy farm assurance schemes
Ask retailers about their sourcing policies for zero-grazing dairy systems