High-altitude grazing systems (transhumance) present unique welfare challenges for cattle from altitude effects, extreme weather, predator risk and distance from veterinary care.
Alpine cattle welfare requires balancing the benefits of extensive grazing (natural behaviour, clean air, diverse foraging) against the challenges of extreme conditions and limited veterinary access. Animals with genuine hardiness adaptations for mountain conditions fare better than lowland breeds exposed to altitude stress. Predator risk creates fear, injury and death that is a welfare cost requiring management - coexistence with recovering carnivore populations requires effective livestock protection measures (livestock guardian dogs, night penning, electric fencing) that minimise welfare costs to both livestock and predators. The remoteness of alpine grazing systems makes proactive health planning, monitoring skills for herdspeople and emergency communication capacity essential welfare requirements.