Suckler cow-calf systems provide good welfare for calves allowed to remain with their mothers. Managing the welfare of the whole herd through nutrition and health monitoring is essential.
Suckler cow systems, where calves remain with their mothers until weaning, provide significant welfare advantages over dairy systems by allowing maternal bonding and natural nursing. However, welfare challenges remain around winter housing conditions, nutrition management in harsh upland environments, and weaning methods. Monitoring cow body condition score through the production cycle and addressing dietary deficiencies before late pregnancy maintains cow welfare and ensures calves receive quality colostrum.