Early
separation of mother and calf in dairy production does not correspond to their
natural behavior. Cow-calf contact (CCC) rearing is attracting increasing
interest. Different CCC systems are possible: e.g. whole-day or part-time (2x/d
or half-day) CCC; contact to the mother or a foster cow or both. The greatest
welfare challenges in CCC systems are separation distress in cows and calves
and a growth check of calves post-weaning. The results regarding the impact of
CCC on animal health are heterogeneous but on the whole effects appear to be
small. Some potential problems can be minimized by improved housing and
management. Knowledge about natural behavior can sometimes help to find
solutions (Table 1).

The ingestion of a sufficient amount of
colostrum soon after birth is another crucial aspect. Some studies show a
better immune transfer in nursed calves, some if colostrum is fed artificially.
Large udders with low hanging teats are a challenge for calves, because innate
teat seeking is directed towards an angle. Calves mostly search between the
forelegs or hindlegs of the cow. Therefore, proper suckling should be checked
and assisted, if necessary, or colostrum should be fed by bottle. An open
question is the possibility and importance of bonding between foster cows and
calves. Its establishment can be enhanced e.g. by fostering young alien calves
soon before or after parturition of the foster cow or by odor transferring from
the own to an alien calf (amniotic fluid or cloth). Some farmers select foster
cows according to their socio-positive behavior. Others let the calf at first
be nursed by the dam and use foster cows in a late stage of the pre-weaning
period to reduce the ingested amount of milk (strategies of gradual weaning).
In general, CCC systems require more animal observation than artificial rearing.
Therefore, the farmers’ identification with the goals of the system is
important. Abstract with references can be requested from the author.

Table 1. Cattle behaviour under semi-natural
conditions versus in cow-calf-contact (CCC) rearing systems.