This collection features three peer-reviewed reviews on improving the
welfare of heifers and calves.
The first chapter considers optimising reproductive management as a
means of maximising dairy herd health and production. The chapter
outlines the steps required to identify reproductive problems and
limitations, as well as the emergence of monitoring technologies to
detect changes to animal behaviour and patterns which can indicate the
presence of disease.
The second chapter summarises recent research addressing behavioural
needs of pre-weaned calves and post-weaned heifers, encompassing aspects
of social interactions and feeding, rest and comfort, as well as
opportunities for other behavioural expression. The chapter also
discusses the consequences of restricting these behaviours, such as the
development of abnormal oral behaviours.
The final chapter highlights the crucial role youngstock/calf management
can play in optimising dairy herd health and welfare in the short-term
and long-term. The chapter considers the impacts of calfhood nutritional
management and calfhood diseases on subsequent dairy herd health, as
well as the role of veterinarians in communicating best practice in
youngstock management.