The separation of dairy calves from their mothers is one of the most visible and welfare-significant practices in dairy farming, causing distress to both cow and calf.
Maternal separation causes acute distress in dairy cows and calves. Cortisol is elevated, vocalization is intense, and both animals search for each other. Extended separation attempts show that distress may be more intense after longer bonding periods, creating management challenges. Male calves in dairy systems are a significant welfare issue: British Holsteins raised for beef have poor growth rates and many were shot at birth before this became publicly visible. Rosé veal systems that allow calves to live for 8 months in group housing are higher welfare than traditional white veal that kept calves in isolation on iron-deficient diets to maintain pale meat. Extended cow-calf contact systems are being piloted in several countries and show positive welfare outcomes.