The management of dairy calves in their first weeks of life has major welfare implications that affect their health, behaviour, and stress responses throughout their productive lives.
Dairy calf welfare starts from birth with the separation decision. Early separation causes acute and visible distress in both cows and calves - prolonged calling and searching behaviour. Extended suckling systems that allow 2-4 weeks of cow contact improve calf immunity through continued colostrum access and reduce weaning stress. Pair housing allows calves to develop social bonds and behaviours. Ad libitum milk provision prevents the chronic mild hunger of restricted systems. These welfare improvements are increasingly being adopted by premium dairy brands and welfare certification schemes. The science clearly supports extended contact and social housing as welfare best practice.