Enriching dairy calves’ lives

Enriching dairy calves’ lives


Providing enrichment for dairy calves may not be an industry requirement, but it improves their well-being. The resulting stress reduction may even have production benefits down the road.

Calves generally need five types of enrichment to engage in normal behavior. Sensory enrichment can be offered by wall-mounted brushes, which all ages of cattle tend to enjoy. Social enrichment — like housing calves in pairs or groups — increases their resilience to stress.

Providing nipples on bottles and wall-mounted pacifiers satisfies their urge to suckle. And offering hay provides both occupational and physical enrichment by keeping calves mentally and physically engaged. Providing space for exercise is essential too.

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