Environmental enrichment for housed cattle is increasingly recognised as important for welfare, with brushes, novel objects and complexity shown to improve welfare indicators.
Environmental enrichment for housed cattle addresses the fact that modern housing systems often provide inadequate stimulation for animals with complex behavioural needs. Brushes provide both scratch satisfaction and are used socially as a shared resource. Novel objects maintain curiosity-driven behaviour. Access to the outdoors, where possible, provides the most complex enrichment through variable terrain, weather, and natural stimuli. Enriched environments reduce stereotypies and promote positive welfare states.