Cows and calves grazing on pasture is an image often associated with species-appropriate animal husbandry and a high quality of life for the animals. Spending time together on pasture promotes the animals' natural behavior, enables social interaction, and contributes to their health.
Advantages of grazing cows and calves:
Natural husbandry:
Cows and calves can pursue their natural needs, such as eating, exercising, resting, and interacting with other animals.
Social learning:
Calves learn how to interact in the herd from older animals and imitate their eating behavior.
Improved animal welfare:
Grazing promotes the animals' health because they can exercise, soak up sunlight, and breathe fresh air.
Stable herd structure:
Grazing together contributes to the development of close relationships and promotes a calm and stable herd structure.
Promoting natural feeding habits:
Calves learn to eat pasture feed early on and can thus better meet their needs.
Less stress and competition:
Due to the larger space and forage variety on the pasture, stress caused by competition is reduced.
Aspects to consider when grazing:
Weather conditions:
Dry weather is important to protect pasture soils and animals from wet conditions.
Forage availability:
A good pasture with sufficient forage is crucial for successful grazing.
Shelter:
A sheltered shelter with dry bedding should be available to protect the animals from the elements.
Frost-free water troughs:
A frost-free water supply is important in winter, so heated water troughs should be provided.
Keeping cows and calves together on pasture is an animal-friendly and natural form of husbandry that has a positive effect on the well-being and health of the animals.