Zero-Grazing Dairy Systems and Welfare

Zero-grazing dairy systems that house cows indoors year-round raise important welfare questions about the deprivation of pasture access and natural behaviour.

Key Facts

Zero-grazing systems are used by approximately 6% of UK dairy farms but produce a disproportionate volume of milk
The Netherlands, Belgium, and parts of Denmark and Germany have high rates of zero-grazing dairy
Cows in zero-grazing systems have higher milk yields but often have poorer welfare outcomes
Pasture deprivation prevents natural locomotion, social interaction, and grazing behaviour
Consumer labelling schemes for pasture-raised dairy products are growing across Europe

Welfare Considerations

Zero-grazing dairy systems prevent cows from expressing fundamental natural behaviours including grazing, which cows are highly motivated to perform. Deprivation of outdoor access eliminates opportunities for locomotion, social interaction in a natural setting, and species-appropriate foraging. Cows show clear preference for outdoor access when given a choice, indicating that confinement represents welfare restriction. Welfare outcome monitoring shows higher lameness prevalence in some zero-grazing systems. Consumer pressure for pasture-raised dairy is driving market differentiation and welfare improvement.

What You Can Do

Choose dairy products labelled as pasture-raised or from grass-fed herds
Ask retailers about zero-grazing in their dairy supply chains
Advocate for mandatory labelling of dairy production system including outdoor access
Support the Pasture Promise and similar schemes certifying genuine pasture access for dairy cows