Access to pasture is increasingly recognized as a fundamental welfare requirement for dairy cows, with positive effects on behavior, health, and physiological state.
Grazing access allows dairy cows to express a wide range of natural behaviors including selective grazing, social interaction in a larger space, and the enriched sensory experience of outdoor environments. Freedom of movement on pasture reduces lameness. The motivational state of cows released to pasture after winter housing shows clear positive affect, with skipping and play behavior well documented. Conversely, forced grazing during poor weather causes cold stress and welfare compromise. The welfare-positive approach balances pasture access with indoor shelter availability during adverse conditions. Assurance schemes including the RSPB Better Farm Certification require minimum grazing days as a welfare and conservation metric.