Intensive dairy production raises significant welfare concerns for cows. A review of scientific evidence reveals key areas where welfare is compromised and where meaningful improvements are achievable.
Intensive dairy production creates welfare challenges at multiple levels - metabolic disease from extreme milk production, musculoskeletal problems from confinement, infectious disease burden, and the acute distress of maternal separation. The evidence base for these harms is strong and well-documented. Reform is achievable without abandoning dairy production: improving flooring and housing reduces lameness, extended maternal bonding reduces separation distress, preventive health programs reduce disease incidence, and breeding for welfare traits rather than pure yield reduces metabolic disease. Consumer and policy pressure is driving improvements in some markets.