Comparing Cow-Calf Contact Systems

Summary

The separation of the dairy cow and her calf within hours of birth is a common management practice, criticised from an animal welfare perspective. Cow-calf contact systems are an interesting alternative which can be organised in different ways depending on the farmers prioritisation of practical, economical, ethical and image-related considerations. Half-day contact between the cow and her calf is one way to organise a cow-calf contact system. Half-day contact reduces the amnount of positive social interaction compared to whole-day contact, without substantially improving the weaning and separation. Using a fence-line weaning approach does however improve the weaning and separation of dam-reared calves.