Perspective: Prolonged cow-calf contact—A dilemma or simply another step in the evolution of the dairy industry?
Nigel B. Cook, M.A.G. von Keyserlingk
Abstract
The contentious issue of cow-calf separation at birth is incongruent with many views on acceptable farming practices, and carries the risk of eroding public trust in the dairy industry if it is not addressed. The available evidence provides little support for the practice, but research on best practices for maintaining cow-calf contact in a way that enhances animal welfare while preserving farm profitability is nascent. In this article, the authors address the research questions that require answers to better inform producers and facilitate their decision-making and prepare the dairy industry to take another evolutionary step forward.
Topics & Concepts
Profitability indexDairy industryDilemmaBusinessDairy cattleDairy farmingWelfareAnimal welfareMarketingAgricultureEconomicsMarket economyBiologyAnimal scienceFinanceFood scienceEcologyPhilosophyEpistemologyAnimal Behavior and Welfare StudiesAnimal Disease Management and EpidemiologyAgriculture Sustainability and Environmental Impact