Zero grazing (cut-and-carry) systems house cattle throughout the year. Welfare comparison with grazing systems reveals both advantages and challenges.
Zero grazing systems can achieve good welfare outcomes if housing design, space allowance, and management meet cattle behavioral and health needs. The absence of outdoor access removes grazing behavior - a high-priority motivated behavior in cattle - but this can be partially mitigated through forage quality, space, and environmental complexity. Direct welfare comparison depends heavily on management quality.