Do cows grieve for their calf once it is removed?

Last updated 17/01/2024

Taking into account current scientific debate, it is likely animals experience some level of emotional thought. If we consider grief, we clearly see animals behaving differently at times of change including loss. To what level they experience it, feel it and the memory they hold of the loss is unclear and open to discussion.¹

As humans we are able to vocalise our emotions and this combined with our behaviour is how we can accurately define grief as an event in humans. Clearly this is not possible with animals, so we are left with analysing the exhibited behaviours and that is where our own experiences sway in. This is why the question cannot be answered.

Early separation after birth, of the cow and calf, is currently the recommendation given to Australian dairy farmers by veterinarians and animal health advisors. It is based on the best scientific knowledge currently available. One of its objectives is to minimise stress on the cow and calf. Researchers have measured indicators of stress and found that early separation, before the calf is 24 hours old, creates less stress for cows than later weaning.²

The scientific debate relating to animals and grief is ongoing and whilst a definitive answer may never be found, the Australian dairy industry will continue to monitor this discussion, ensuring that optimum health and welfare outcomes are always achieved for all animals in our herds.