How do calves cope with separation?

Last updated 17/01/2024

Like many grazing animals, calves are comparatively mature at birth, able to stand within 30 minutes of birth and run in the first few days of life.

Calves don’t rely on their mothers for movement, but they can’t yet travel the long distances that adults cover in their grazing pattern. For this reason, cows have naturally developed the habit of leaving groups of young calves in a safe corner of the paddock while they wander further afield to graze.

Commonly on Australian dairy farms, cows live outdoor, and calves are born in the paddock. They spend the first few hours after birth with their dams before being taken indoors, out of the elements. Calves are then reared in clean sheds, protected from the weather and predators, and fed milk and solid feed so they can grow and thrive.

When farmers separate the calves to care for them in the safest, most practical way, they are mirroring some of the natural behaviour patterns of the species. Calves have a strong herd instinct and bond quickly with each other, and they are physically mature for their age. These evolutionary characteristics allow them to tolerate separation from their dams.

Finally, researchers have measured indicators of stress and found that early separation, before the calf is 24 hours old, creates less stress for the animals, than later weaning.¹ Calves that are moved into a nursery shed before they are a day old will quickly attach to each other, and show minimal signs of distress.

The Australian dairy industry continues to undertake research and engage with animal experts to ensure best practice in calf rearing.