Intensive Farming

Dairy Heifer Welfare and Transition

Young dairy heifers face welfare challenges during transition from calf to first lactation that have long-term productivity and welfare implications.

Key Facts

First calving at over 24 months reduces lifetime welfare-related health problems
Heifers that calve with good body condition have lower disease incidence
Mixing heifers with mature cows at first calving increases social stress
Pain during first parturition is often not managed despite veterinary recommendations

Welfare Considerations

Heifers calving for the first time experience the pain of parturition in a social environment they have not been prepared for. Mixing with mature cows at a vulnerable time increases social competition and stress. Inadequate body condition at calving increases metabolic disease risk. Pain management at first calving is rarely provided despite evidence that it improves outcomes for both cow and calf.

What You Can Do

Support dairy operations with proactive heifer welfare programs
Advocate for pain management at first calving as standard practice
Buy dairy products from farms with heifer welfare monitoring
Back research into heifer welfare and transition period management