Weaning distress in dairy and beef calves is an acknowledged welfare problem. Multiple strategies can reduce the behavioural and physiological stress of the weaning transition.
Weaning distress in calves represents a well-documented and genuine welfare harm. Both cows and calves show behavioural and physiological signs of distress at separation — increased vocalisation, reduced feeding, elevated cortisol. In dairy systems, the challenge of early separation is that calf contact during the first days is associated with higher attachment and therefore potentially greater distress at separation. Research has explored multiple strategies — fence-line contact, graduated weaning, olfactory contact — with variable results. The welfare principle is that any strategy reducing the acute distress of separation while maintaining adequate maternal colostrum transfer and calf health is a welfare improvement worth implementing.