Cattle Farming

Cattle Zero-Grazing Welfare Considerations

Zero-grazing dairy systems keep cows permanently housed, raising welfare questions about natural behaviour expression and outdoor access.

Key Facts

Zero-grazing systems produce milk year-round without seasonal pasture access
Housed dairy cows have higher rates of lameness from hard flooring
Lying time is a critical welfare indicator reduced in inadequate zero-grazing facilities
Outdoor access provides UV exposure, varied terrain, and exercise benefits
Consumer surveys show strong preference for milk from pasture-access systems

Welfare Considerations

Permanent housing removes access to behaviours including grazing, fresh air, and natural light that are intrinsically important to cattle welfare. While zero-grazing can be managed well with high-quality indoor environments, the evidence suggests that pasture access - even partial - provides welfare benefits that cannot be fully replicated indoors. Consumer labelling of pasture-access products creates market incentives for better welfare.

What You Can Do

Choose milk labelled as from pasture-access or outdoor-reared cows
Support dairy welfare schemes requiring minimum outdoor access days
Advocate for pasture access to be a mandatory welfare assurance standard