The early life experiences of dairy heifers profoundly affect their adult welfare and productivity. Nutrition, social housing, and disease prevention in early life have lasting effects.
Early life experiences of dairy calves and heifers have profound and lasting effects on welfare, health, and eventual milk production. Group housing, extended milk feeding, and gradual weaning all improve welfare outcomes and are increasingly shown to be economically neutral or beneficial. Respiratory disease prevention through good ventilation, colostrum management, and vaccination reduces suffering that is both economically costly and ethically important.