Livestock

Youngstock Welfare in Cattle: From Calf to Heifer

The welfare of cattle during the youngstock period — from weaning to first calving — has lasting effects on adult health, productivity and welfare.

Key Facts

Heifers that suffer poor welfare as youngstock have worse lifetime productivity
Respiratory disease in youngstock causes long-term lung damage affecting adult performance
Appropriate socialisation and human contact during rearing affects handling ease throughout life
Body condition score at first calving affects health and welfare outcomes through first lactation
Dehorning of yearlings causes greater pain and recovery time than calf disbudding

Welfare Considerations

Youngstock are often a lower welfare priority than adult dairy cows, yet their rearing experience shapes health and welfare outcomes for life. Poor housing ventilation during winter causes respiratory disease with lasting effects. Inadequate nutrition during growth creates young heifers that enter the adult herd already compromised. Positive human handling experience during rearing reduces fear of humans, improving welfare of routine management procedures throughout life.

What You Can Do

Ensure youngstock housing has adequate ventilation and bedding
Use positive reinforcement in human-animal interactions during rearing
Monitor growth rates and body condition of growing heifers regularly
Avoid unnecessary painful procedures without analgesia in youngstock
Support standards that require monitored herd health plans covering all age groups