Farm Animal Welfare

Cattle Welfare and Youngstock Housing

Youngstock housing for cattle calves and heifers has specific welfare requirements. Good design and management supports healthy social development and disease resistance.

Key Facts

Hutch systems for individual calf housing reduce disease but limit social development
Group housing from 2 weeks of age enables social learning and normal development
Ventilation in youngstock housing is critical to prevent respiratory disease
Space allowances affect social behaviour and aggression in group-housed youngstock
Enrichment opportunities including brushes and novel objects improve welfare in housed youngstock

Welfare Considerations

Youngstock housing welfare balances disease control and social development needs. Modern best practice uses group housing from early age with good ventilation and social enrichment.

What You Can Do

Support farms adopting group housing with good ventilation for calves
Advocate for social housing standards in cattle calf welfare guidelines
Learn about youngstock housing welfare requirements
Choose dairy products from farms with verified calf welfare management