Farm Animals

Dairy Cow Pasture Access and Welfare

Pasture access is highly valued by dairy cows, and grazing improves welfare outcomes compared to zero-grazing systems when managed appropriately.

Key Facts

Dairy cows given pasture access spend up to 6 hours grazing and show strong preference for grass
Grass consumption improves rumen health through dietary fibre and reduces acidosis risk
Cows turn voluntarily to pasture when offered the choice in switchback preference studies
Lying time on soft pasture is greater than on concrete cubicle bases
Climate and grass availability limit pasture access in many European dairy systems

Welfare Considerations

Pasture access is a welfare-positive component of dairy systems that is strongly preferred by cows. Policy and certification support for grazing dairy is a meaningful welfare intervention.

What You Can Do

Choose pasture-based dairy products where labelling enables this distinction
Support Pasture Promise and equivalent certification schemes for grazing dairy
Advocate for policy support for grazing dairy systems as part of agricultural transition