Heifer Rearing Welfare in Dairy Systems

The welfare of replacement dairy heifers during rearing significantly influences their lifetime health, productivity and welfare as adults in the milking herd.

Key Facts

Heifer rearing costs account for approximately 15-20% of total dairy production costs
Growth rates in heifers affect age at first calving and lifetime productivity
Social learning from older cows improves heifer adaptation to milking routines
Nutrition in the first two months of life has lasting effects on mammary development
Heifers raised in positive welfare conditions have better temperament as adults

Welfare Considerations

Heifer rearing welfare affects animals throughout their productive lives. Poor early nutrition and social deprivation create lasting physiological and behavioural deficits. Stressful handling experiences during rearing create fearful temperaments that persist into adulthood, increasing stress during milking and routine management. Positive early experiences create calmer, more manageable adults with better welfare outcomes. Investment in heifer rearing welfare pays dividends throughout the productive life.

What You Can Do

Support positive early handling programmes for dairy heifer calves
Advocate for nutritional standards in dairy heifer rearing that support welfare
Choose dairy products from farms with documented heifer rearing welfare protocols
Support research into the long-term welfare effects of different heifer rearing systems
Promote mentoring and training programmes for farm staff in positive animal handling