Farm Animal Welfare

Cattle Youngstock Housing Welfare

Housing conditions for cattle calves and youngstock significantly affect respiratory health, social development, and long-term welfare.

Key Facts

Respiratory disease is the leading cause of mortality in housed youngstock
Adequate ventilation with 50 air changes per hour reduces pneumonia incidence
Group housing with age-matched calves supports social development
Individual hutches provide disease isolation for young calves but limit social behaviour
Deep straw bedding with the ability to nest provides thermal comfort for calves

Welfare Considerations

Youngstock housed in inadequate conditions experience respiratory disease, social deprivation, and welfare compromise that affects them throughout their lives. The investment in good youngstock housing - adequate ventilation, appropriate group size, and bedding - pays dividends in healthier, better-adjusted adult cattle. Good housing early in life is a welfare investment with long-term returns.

What You Can Do

Support youngstock housing welfare standards including ventilation requirements
Advocate for social group housing requirements for cattle calves
Learn about calf housing welfare to support effective advocacy