How dairy heifers are raised in their first two years profoundly influences their lifetime welfare, health, and productivity. Early life conditions create lasting effects on cow wellbeing.
The welfare of dairy heifers during rearing has lifetime consequences. Early social deprivation, abrupt weaning, and inadequate nutrition create animals that are more fearful, more prone to disease, and less able to cope with the demands of lactation. Improving heifer rearing practices is both ethically important and practically beneficial, as better-reared heifers have longer, healthier productive lives.