Farm Animal Welfare

Cattle Zero Grazing Welfare Implications

Zero grazing systems where cattle never access pasture raise significant welfare concerns including restriction of natural behaviours, lameness risk, and reduced positive experiences.

Key Facts

Zero grazing systems are increasing in intensively managed dairy herds globally
Cattle motivate strongly for pasture access even in adverse weather conditions
Time on pasture correlates with lower lameness prevalence and improved hoof health
Zero-grazed cattle show higher rates of stereotypic behaviours including tongue rolling
Many welfare certification schemes now require minimum pasture access days

Welfare Considerations

Keeping cattle permanently indoors denies access to grazing, fresh air, and space to move and express natural behaviours. Pasture access is a significant positive welfare experience for cattle, making zero grazing a substantive welfare concern that should be addressed through standards.

What You Can Do

Choose dairy products certified to require pasture access for cows
Support mandatory minimum pasture access requirements in dairy welfare standards
Advocate for welfare labelling that clearly identifies indoor-only production systems