Environmental enrichment significantly improves welfare outcomes for dairy calves by reducing fear, stress, and abnormal behaviour during the rearing period.
Dairy calves housed in individual pens without social contact show elevated fear responses, higher cortisol levels, and increased stereotypic behaviours compared to socially housed calves. Tactile enrichment including body brushes satisfies grooming needs and reduces frustration. Positive human contact through regular gentle handling reduces stress during veterinary procedures and at weaning. Social housing in pairs or small groups is the most effective single welfare improvement for young dairy calves. These welfare improvements also benefit production through reduced stress at weaning.