Dairy calves in the UK are typically separated from their mothers within 24-48 hours of birth and reared in individual pens before being moved into groups. This system has significant welfare implications throughout the early life period.
Individual housing prevents calves from performing social behaviours including mutual grooming, play, and lying together. Socially isolated calves develop more behavioural abnormalities including cross-sucking and are less able to cope with social challenges later in life. Early maternal separation causes distress to both cow and calf measurable for several days. Calves weaned abruptly from milk replacer at eight weeks show acute distress; gradual weaning substantially reduces this. The welfare costs of individual housing and early separation can be reduced substantially at modest additional cost.