Farm Animals

Cattle Zero Grazing Systems: Welfare Assessment

Zero-grazing dairy systems, where grass is cut and brought to housed cows, present a welfare compromise between pasture benefits and year-round production.

Key Facts

Zero-grazing systems allow intensification without infrastructure for cow movement to paddocks
Cows in zero-grazing systems have higher milk yields than pastured cows but lack exercise and behavioural freedom
Lying time, lameness rates, and stereotypic behaviour are welfare indicators that differ between systems
Well-designed zero-grazing buildings with adequate space, bedding, and enrichment can provide acceptable welfare

Welfare Considerations

Zero-grazing systems represent a welfare compromise that prioritises production intensity over behavioural freedom. Whether welfare in zero-grazing systems is acceptable depends on the quality of housing, management, and monitoring, and must be assessed against the welfare benefits of pasture access.

What You Can Do

Advocate for meaningful welfare assessment of zero-grazing dairy systems in farm certification schemes
Engage with dairy welfare research that compares outcomes across housing systems
Support dairy producers demonstrating high welfare standards within zero-grazing systems where pasture access is not feasible