Separating dairy calves from their mothers at birth is the norm but causes acute distress; alternatives exist and are gaining traction.
Early separation causes evident distress in both cow and calf — both vocalize and search for each other. Cows remember calves taken from them even after years. Calves deprived of colostrum and maternal contact show impaired immunity and behavioral development. Dam-rearing or shared nursing significantly improves welfare for both animals.