Heifers calving for the first time face significant welfare challenges. Appropriate preparation and management during the transition period determines their welfare and productive life trajectory.
The heifer transition period is a critical welfare window. First-calving heifers are physically immature, psychologically inexperienced, and metabolically challenged by the demands of milk production. Their welfare trajectory in first lactation strongly predicts their lifetime performance and welfare — heifers that survive a difficult first lactation with compromised health are more likely to be culled early, representing both welfare and economic failure. Welfare-positive heifer management invests in optimal body condition through rearing, appropriate social integration before calving, calving assistance availability, and close monitoring in early first lactation.