Dairy cows produce milk continuously through careful management of their reproductive cycle. Their welfare encompasses housing, health management, reproductive interventions, and ultimately slaughter at the end of productive life.
Dairy cow welfare encompasses multiple interconnected challenges. The metabolic demand of high milk production creates chronic negative energy balance in early lactation, compromising immune function and causing metabolic diseases including ketosis and displaced abomasum. Lameness — caused by hoof lesions, poor flooring, and nutritional imbalances — causes chronic pain that owners frequently undertreate. Cow comfort in housing is measurable: cows need adequate lying time (12-14 hours daily), soft surfaces, sufficient space, and access to outdoor areas. Cubicle housing that prevents cows from lying comfortably causes chronic fatigue and stress. The dairy-veal connection means male calves and spent cows are slaughtered — end-of-life welfare including transport conditions and slaughter humaneness must be considered as part of the dairy welfare picture.