Early social experience profoundly influences calf behavioural development and adult welfare. Social deprivation through individual housing during the calf period has lasting negative consequences.
Calves are social animals whose early social environment shapes their cognitive and emotional development. Individual housing, while historically common in dairy farming, creates lasting behavioural deficits and elevated stress responses. Transitioning to pair or small group housing from birth is an impactful welfare improvement that also improves productivity and ease of management.