Grazing Access and Cattle Welfare in Pastoral Systems

Access to pasture for grazing is a fundamental welfare requirement for cattle, providing opportunities for natural foraging behaviour, social interaction, and freedom from the frustrations of continuous confinement.

Key Facts

Cattle spend 6-9 hours per day grazing in natural pastoral conditions
Grazing allows expression of natural behaviours including selective foraging, social spacing, and exploration
Zero-grazing systems, where cattle are permanently housed, are increasingly used in intensive dairy production
Studies show preference for pasture access when cows are given the choice between housing and grass
Summer grazing improves hoof health and reduces the incidence of some diseases compared to year-round housing

Welfare Considerations

Permanent housing denies cattle the ability to express fundamental natural behaviours that contribute to positive welfare states. Grazing cattle show preference for pasture, particularly at dawn and dusk when natural grazing activity peaks. Frustration of these motivations in zero-grazing systems contributes to stereotypic behaviour and reduced welfare. Access to pasture for at least part of the year, even in high-production dairy systems, provides important welfare benefits. Consumer demand for dairy from grazing cows is creating market incentives for pasture access.

What You Can Do

Choose dairy products from pasture-assured grazing schemes such as Pasture Promise
Advocate for minimum grazing access requirements in dairy farm certification standards
Support farm advisory services that help producers transition from zero-grazing to grazing systems
Engage with retailers about sourcing policies that prioritise dairy from grazing systems