Farm Animals

Cattle Welfare and Youngstock Housing 2026

Youngstock housing quality has major welfare implications for calves, with 2026 bringing improved guidance on space, bedding, and social contact.

Key Facts

Individual hutches for calves are banned in the EU from 2023, requiring pair or group housing
Social housing improves calf welfare through play and social learning
Outdoor hutches allow natural behaviour but require bedding management in winter
Group housing increases disease transmission risk requiring enhanced ventilation
Automated milk feeders in group housing improve individual calf intake monitoring

Welfare Considerations

Calf housing quality determines welfare outcomes for the first months of life. Social housing with appropriate space, bedding, and ventilation supports good welfare.

What You Can Do

Advocate for group housing standards for calves in welfare certification
Support research on optimal calf social housing design
Choose dairy from farms with high calf welfare standards