Access to pasture is one of the most valued experiences for dairy cows. The welfare benefits of grazing access and how to maximise them are increasingly well understood.
Pasture access represents one of the clearest examples of aligning animal welfare with both natural behaviour and consumer values. Cows that can graze on pasture express a wide range of natural behaviours that cannot be replicated indoors - extended walking, selective grazing, social spacing, and play. Research consistently shows higher welfare indicators in cows with pasture access, particularly for positive behavioural indicators. The welfare case for pasture access is robust, and its restriction to zero-grazing systems represents a genuine welfare loss even when indoor management is otherwise good.