Experts from across Europe have provided an overview of prevailing practices and outcomes that underscore the welfare challenges associated with current dairy calf management, in contrast to established best-practice recommendations. Their insights are presented in a recent paper published in Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica by Nina Dam Otten (University of Copenhagen), Margit Bak Jensen (Aarhus University), and Allison Welk (University of Guelph).

The study offers an examination of current milk-feeding and housing practices for dairy calves in both conventional and organic herds across European countries. Forty-five respondents with extensive expertise in dairy production and calf rearing from 25 countries and regions were invited to complete an online questionnaire covering farm demographics, newborn calf management, milk-feeding and housing practices for calves aged 1-4 weeks and 5-8 weeks, as well as weaning routines. A total of 21 respondents from 15 countries and regions participated in the survey.

European legislation sets recommendations for milk-feeding and minimum housing standards to safeguard dairy calf welfare. Nonetheless, comprehensive studies examining milk-fed calf-rearing practices across Europe remain limited.

Survey findings indicate that, in conventional herds, most calves were separated from the dam shortly after birth (≤12 hours), whereas durations exceeding two days were more common in organic systems. Calves aged 1-4 weeks were typically housed individually and received 6-8 L of milk per day, administered in two feedings.

Across most countries and regions, fewer than 25% of herds were reported to use ad libitum milk-feeding systems. Teat buckets or teat bars were the predominant feeding methods. In locations where open buckets or troughs were more widely used, calves generally had access to permanently mounted artificial dry teats (dummy teats). For calves aged 5-8 weeks, group housing was more common, and milk allowances increased to 8-10 L per day, usually split into two feedings, with once-daily feeding reported more frequently in this age group. Weaning was most commonly initiated between 8 and 10 weeks.

Based on respondents’ assessments, the survey highlights notable discrepancies between research-based recommendations and current on-farm practices, particularly regarding milk allowance, feeding frequency, and weaning strategies. Regulations concerning the timing of separation from the dam, milk type, and weaning age were reported to apply mainly to organic production systems and only in a limited number of countries.

To see more, go to: 10.1186/s13028-025-00827-4