The cow calf contact system is a traditional dairy farming practice where cows and calves stay together after birth for promoting maternal bonding, health, and welfare. This method includes behaviours such as licking, nursing, and socialising, which significantly improves calves’ survival and development. The level of interaction permitted varies by the system (partial contact, full contact, foster cow, and no contact), with each having its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Full contact systems, which encourage natural behaviour, are the most efficient, but they require specialised management practices. Recent advancements have focused on housing design, gradual weaning techniques, and welfare-focused approaches to improve outcomes for both cow and calf. These systems meet growing consumer demand for ethical farming, thereby increasing public trust in dairy products. Further research into the behavioural dynamics of cow calf contact systems will help.
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