The impacts of animal welfare on milk quality and yield

Abstract

This report explores the relationship between dairy cow welfare, milk yield, milk quality and cow-calf contact systems. Dairy farming has traditionally prioritised productivity, with common practices such as early cow-calf separation being used to maximise saleable milk and improve management efficiency. However, increasing concern for animal welfare has encouraged greater interest in alternative systems that allow cows and calves to maintain physical or partial contact after birth. This report discusses key welfare factors affecting dairy cows, including housing, bedding, nutrition, heat stress, health management, handling and stress. These factors directly influence milk production by affecting feed intake, rumination, immune function, udder health and milk let-down. Poor welfare can contribute to diseases such as mastitis, ketosis, lameness and metritis, all of which may reduce milk yield and alter milk quality. Milk quality is also affected through changes in somatic cell count, bacterial contamination, fat, protein, lactose and overall milk composition. Cow-calf contact systems may improve welfare by allowing natural behaviours such as suckling, grooming, bonding and social learning. However, they also create practical challenges, including reduced saleable milk, the need for adapted housing, hygiene management and careful monitoring of calf and udder health. Overall, this report highlights that animal welfare and productivity should not be viewed as opposing goals. Instead, welfare-conscious dairy systems may support healthier animals, safer milk and more sustainable production when managed appropriately.