The management of dairy calves immediately after birth has profound welfare implications, and practices vary widely across global dairy systems.
The first hours of a dairy calf life are a welfare-critical period. Immediate or early separation from the dam causes measurable distress in both the cow and calf. Cows vocalize for days and show elevated cortisol. Calves separated early show increased stress behaviors and reduced immune function. Dam-rearing systems that allow partial or full nursing reduce these welfare costs but require management changes. Colostrum quality and timing is also critical — calves that do not receive sufficient immunoglobulins face compromised immunity throughout life.