Zero-grazing systems, where cattle are housed indoors throughout the year, raise welfare concerns about the denial of natural behaviours including grazing, freedom of movement, and exposure to sunlight.
Cattle are grazing animals whose natural behavioural repertoire includes walking, grazing, and exploring over substantial distances. Year-round indoor housing denies these motivations, contributing to lameness (from hard concrete flooring), boredom, and reduced welfare. The evidence from cow choice studies is clear: given the opportunity, cows prefer to be outside on pasture. High-yielding dairy systems often prioritise the convenience of feeding, health monitoring, and milking over the welfare benefits of grazing.