Farm Animal Welfare

Cattle Pasture Access and Dairy Cow Welfare

Access to pasture significantly improves dairy cow welfare through increased exercise, natural behaviour expression, and social interaction.

Key Facts

Cows provided pasture access show lower lameness rates and longer lying times
Grazing behaviour occupies up to 8 hours per day in pasture-based systems
Pasture access is associated with lower cortisol and improved immune function
Seasonal housing for winter is common in Northern Europe but year-round housing is increasing
Consumer preference for pasture-raised dairy products is growing

Welfare Considerations

Pasture access allows dairy cows to express natural grazing, locomotion, and social behaviours that are central to their wellbeing. The evidence that pasture access improves multiple welfare indicators is strong. The trend toward year-round housing systems for management efficiency has significant welfare costs that should be reflected in consumer choice and welfare standards.

What You Can Do

Choose dairy products from pasture-based farming systems
Support welfare standards requiring minimum annual pasture access
Advocate for RSPCA Assured or equivalent certification for dairy products