Cattle Youngstock Welfare and Development

Welfare during the youngstock period significantly affects lifetime resilience and productivity in dairy and beef cattle.

Key Facts

The period from weaning to first calving is often the most welfare-neglected stage in dairy production
Nutrition, socialisation and disease prevention in youngstock affect adult immune function and welfare
Group housing for youngstock allows social development and play behaviour important for welfare
Respiratory and digestive diseases in youngstock cause welfare harm and long-term productivity effects
Vaccination programmes in youngstock prevent diseases that would otherwise cause welfare harm

Welfare Considerations

Youngstock welfare is an investment in lifetime welfare outcomes. Animals that receive good welfare during development have better immune function, more normal social behaviour and fewer health problems as adults. The economic and welfare cases for youngstock investment are both compelling.

What You Can Do

Advocate for youngstock welfare standards as part of integrated dairy welfare certification
Support group housing for youngstock to allow social development and natural behaviour
Develop targeted vaccination programmes for youngstock against respiratory and other common pathogens