Zero-grazing or total confinement dairy systems keep cows indoors year-round, raising welfare concerns about the denial of natural behaviours that require careful management to address.
Cattle denied outdoor access cannot express natural grazing, walking, and explorative behaviours, leading to frustration and stereotypic behaviour in some animals. The health consequences of confinement including higher lameness rates also represent welfare harm. Cows consistently choose outdoor access when given the option. This constitutes a clear welfare deprivation that management strategies can only partially mitigate.