Farm Animal Welfare

Replacement Heifer Rearing Welfare

The rearing of dairy replacement heifers shapes their lifetime welfare, productivity, and health as adult cows.

Key Facts

Heifers typically enter the milking herd at 22-24 months of age
Early life nutrition, socialisation, and disease management affect adult performance
Group housing from early age improves social skills and reduces stress at mixing
Poor weaning management causes growth setbacks and behavioural stress
Dehorning and other procedures should use analgesia to minimise pain

Welfare Considerations

Welfare during the heifer rearing period is often overlooked but sets the foundation for adult cow health, longevity, and quality of life.

What You Can Do

Support dairies with strong heifer rearing welfare protocols
Advocate for group housing and enriched environments for growing heifers
Choose dairy products from farms with good rearing standards