Farm Animal Welfare

Cattle Grassland Management and Welfare

Pasture-based cattle systems link animal welfare with land management quality and provide multiple positive welfare opportunities.

Key Facts

Pasture access allows natural grazing, social behaviour and environmental exploration
UK grassland covers over 40% of agricultural land and is integral to beef and dairy systems
Pasture condition affects nutritional quality and cattle welfare substantially
Summer mastitis and parasite burdens are welfare challenges specific to outdoor cattle
Mob grazing and holistic planned grazing approaches are gaining interest for welfare and land outcomes

Welfare Considerations

Grassland-based cattle farming provides opportunities for natural behaviour expression that confined systems cannot match. The welfare benefits of pasture access - movement, grazing behaviour, social interaction - are well documented and represent a key argument for supporting pasture-based systems.

What You Can Do

Support pasture-based beef and dairy through purchasing choices
Advocate for agri-environment scheme payments that reward pasture management for welfare and ecology
Ask producers about their grazing season length and pasture management approach