Dairy calves face significant welfare challenges from the moment of birth. Early separation from mothers, colostrum management, housing, and weaning practices are all critical welfare determinants.
Dairy calf welfare begins with the most welfare-significant event in the dairy supply chain: separation from the dam. This separation causes measurable suffering in both cow and calf that is currently accepted as standard practice because it facilitates milk production and calf disease management. Emerging evidence from extended suckling systems demonstrates that dam-reared calves have better welfare outcomes without compromising milk production when systems are well-managed. The welfare improvement available through extended nursing is among the most significant single changes available to the dairy sector. Combined with improvements in group housing after weaning, appropriate social contact, and behavioral enrichment, it represents a pathway to dairy production that meets calf welfare needs without sacrificing economic viability.