A review of factors affecting the welfare of dairy calves in pasture-based production systems
Published in 2021
A scientific review identifying the following risk factors for poor welfare in pasture-reared dairy calves (common to all rearing systems): perinatal mortality, poor passive transfer of immunity, poor pain management during disbudding and insufficient milk in the feed. In addition, separation from the mother and the culling of male calves reduces the public acceptability of dairy farming. It makes recommendations for improving farming practices.
Document Types: Scientific review
Animal categories: Bovines
Keywords:Adaptation of the animal to the environment, Maternity, Living environment, Livestock farming system, Societal issues