Cow-calf contact in dairy systems: Impacts on production, animal health, farm economics and the environment

Dairy calves in cow-calf contact (CCC) systems have more maternal contact and can suckle until a later age than in conventional dairy systems, where cow and calf are separated shortly after birth. Calves in CCC systems exhibit more natural behaviour and can drink more milk, allowing them to grow faster than conventionally reared calves. Through an experimental animal study, we aim to determine the effects of CCC systems, with varying amounts of maternal contact and suckling, on milk production, metabolic status, reproduction, growth and health of cows and calves. In addition, we will model the effects on farm economy and environment incorporating the variation in set-up and results of CCC systems in 4 North-Western European countries: the Netherlands, Germany Denmark and Sweden. The knowledge acquired in this project will supply farmers and farm advisors with a more integrated overview of opportunities and consequences of CCC systems as well as the variation in design and results of CCC systems under practical circumstances.