Free-range and pasture-based beef production systems offer significant welfare advantages over intensive feedlot approaches, with cattle able to express natural grazing and social behaviours.
Pasture-based beef production generally provides superior welfare outcomes through greater space, natural behaviour expression, lower disease rates and reduced stress from social instability. Cattle on pasture can graze, roam, explore and interact naturally within stable social groups. Challenges include exposure to severe weather, parasites and the welfare of winter housing when used. The welfare gap between pasture-based UK beef and imported intensive-system beef is significant.