How would you describe the sound of a mother cow's cry after her newly born calf has been taken from her? How about a calf's cry for their mother?

This question reflects concern for animal welfare and it’s an important one to answer clearly and honestly.

On Australian dairy farms, calves are typically separated from their mothers within the first 12–24 hours after birth. During separation, both cows and calves may vocalise, and these sounds can be associated with a stress response. Research shows that delaying separation can be more distressing.  For this reason, most Australian dairy farmers separate cows and calves early, when stress for both is generally lower. Farmers monitor animals closely and aim to manage this process in a way that minimises distress. 

Calves are raised separately for several important welfare and management reasons:

• Colostrum intake: Separation allows farmers to ensure calves receive the right amount of high-quality colostrum soon after birth, which is critical for building their immune system. Research indicates that in commercial Australian herds, calves left with their mothers may not always consume enough colostrum. 
• Disease management: Early separation can reduce the risk of certain diseases spreading between animals. 
• Safety: It helps prevent accidental injury to young calves within the herd and reduces physical strain as cows move around the farm. 
• Care and environment: Calves are then raised in calm, sheltered conditions, with regular feeding, clean bedding, and daily care. 

This is an evolving area of research, with universities and some farms exploring systems that allow cows and calves to remain together for longer while still maintaining high standards of welfare. 

At the heart of all of this is a simple reality: farmers rely on healthy, well-cared-for animals. Providing good welfare is both an ethical responsibility and essential for producing milk and maintaining a sustainable farm. 

Resources

Weary, D. M., & Chua, B. (2000). Effects of early separation on the dairy cow and calf: 1. Separation at 6 h, 1 day and 4 days after birth. Applied animal behaviour science, 69(3), 177-188. 

Manteuffel, G., Puppe, B., & Schön, P. C. (2004). Vocalization of farm animals as a measure of welfare. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 88(1-2), 163-182.

Vogels, Z., Chuck, G. M., & Morton, J. M. (2013). Failure of transfer of passive immunity and agammaglobulinaemia in calves in south‐west Victorian dairy herds: prevalence and risk factors. Australian Veterinary Journal, 91(4), 150-158.

Weary, D. M., & Chua, B. (2000). Effects of early separation on the dairy cow and calf: 1. Separation at 6 h, 1 day and 4 days after birth. Applied animal behaviour science, 69(3), 177-188.