Livestock

Summer Grazing Welfare for Dairy and Beef Cattle

How well-managed summer grazing improves cattle welfare compared to year-round housing.

Key Facts

Pasture access is associated with improved welfare across multiple behavioural measures
Grazing cattle show reduced lameness, stereotypies, and aggressive behaviour compared to housed cattle
Grass-based systems face welfare challenges from heat stress and endoparasite exposure
Rotational grazing maintains sward quality and reduces parasite exposure

Welfare Considerations

Summer grazing is generally welfare-positive for cattle — it allows expression of natural behaviours including selective grazing, social ranging, and thermoregulatory behaviour. Welfare challenges include heat stress in hot weather, endoparasite burden on contaminated pastures, and foot problems on hard, dry ground. Welfare-focused grazing management provides shade and water, uses targeted parasite treatment, and maintains pasture quality.

What You Can Do

Ensure grazing cattle have access to shade and fresh water at all times in hot weather
Implement rotational grazing to reduce parasite contamination of swards
Monitor cattle closely for signs of heat stress and act quickly with water and shade provision