{Tool} Cow-calf contact rearing systems. [Fiches technique sur l'élevage des veaux sous la mère et sous nourrices.] Creator(s): Constancis, Caroline and Robin, Clara. Issuing Organisation(s): FiBL France. (2026)
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Document available online at: https://www.fibl.org/fileadmin/images/allgemein/publikationen/elevage_des_veaux_laitiers_fiblfr_version__16.01.26.pdf
Summary
The factsheets summarise the different types of cow-calf contact rearing systems: how to choose a system for rearing, foster cows rearing system with a specific factsheet on the fostering process, rearing calves with their dams, rearing calves with shorts daily contact, weaning and separation, calf welfare and health, neonatal diarrhoea, parasitism on pasture, calf growth in relation to milk consumption, the impact of calf suckling on cows and their milk production, and a factsheet with further reading.
Summary translation
Fiches de synthèse résumant les différents types de pratiques des veaux sous la mère ou sous nourrices : comment choisir son système d'élevage des veaux laitiers allaités, l'élevage des veaux sous nourrices avec une fiche spécifique sur l'adoption, l'élevage des veaux sous la mère, l'élevage des veaux en court contact quotidien, le sevrage et la séparation, le bien-être et la santé des veaux, les diarrhées néonatales, le parasitisme au pâturage, la croissance des veaux en lien avec leur consommation de lait, les impacts de la tétée des veaux sur les vaches et leur production laitière et une fiche avec de la documentation pour aller plus loin.
| EPrint Type: | Practice tool |
|---|---|
| What problem does the tool address?: | Cow-calf contact systems address the welfare problem of early separation in conventional dairy farming, which causes significant stress to both cow and calf through disrupted bonding and maternal deprivation. These systems allow natural suckling and social development, improving calf behavior, health, and addressing growing consumer concerns about dairy welfare practices. However, they present management challenges, particularly around weaning when the stronger bond must eventually be broken. |
| What solution does the tool offer?: | These technical factsheets provide a practical overview of the different cow–calf contact rearing practices. They address the main questions farmers have when implementing these systems and explain their impacts. |
| Country: | France |
| Type of Practice Tool: | Leaflets & guidelines |
| Keywords: | dairy cattle, calves, animal health, animal welfare |
| Agrovoc keywords: | Language Value URI English dairy cattle http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_2108 English calves http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_1219 English animal health http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_431 English animal welfare http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_443 |
| Subjects: | Animal husbandry > Production systems > Dairy cattle Animal husbandry > Feeding and growth Animal husbandry > Health and welfare |
| Research affiliation: | European Union > Organic Farm Knowledge France > FiBL France |
| Horizon Europe or H2020 Grant Agreement Number: | 101133326 |
| Related Links: | https://organic-farmknowledge.org/tool/56778, https://organic-farmknowledge.org/tool/53645, https://organic-farmknowledge.org/tool/53644, https://organic-farmknowledge.org/tool/42832, https://organic-farmknowledge.org/tool/51952, https://organic-farmknowledge.org/tool/55145 |
| Project ID: | ofk |
| Deposited By: | Constancis, Dr Caroline |
| ID Code: | 56778 |
| Deposited On: | 11 Mar 2026 09:03 |
| Last Modified: | 11 Mar 2026 09:03 |
| Document Language: | English, French/Francais |
| Status: | Published |
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