Winter housing welfare for cattle is being reassessed in 2026 as new research clarifies the importance of lying comfort, social environment, and positive welfare indicators during the indoor period.
Winter housing welfare has traditionally focused on preventing suffering through adequate space and cleanliness. New thinking from the positive welfare science domain recognises that housed cattle should have opportunities for positive experiences including comfortable lying, social bonding, and environmental exploration. Building design, group management, and enrichment provision all contribute.