A review of factors affecting the welfare of weaned replacement heifers in pasture-based dairy production systems

The pasture-based replacement dairy heifer is typically housed and managed intensively from birth until weaning, but post-weaning outdoors in paddocks under less intensive management. Little published about the welfare of weaned systems. aim this review to consolidate scientific literature provide an overview factors affecting heifers on pastoral dairies. Heifer during transition milking herd can be optimised through calving support by pre-exposing some stressful conditions associated with herd. For former, should well grown at (≥85% mature bodyweight) could mated bulls that will produce a smaller calf (e.g. Jersey bulls, sexed semen female calf). Sires selected for high ease predicted transmitting ability, farms develop implement intervention assistance policy. Mixing cows prior calving, exposing them competitive grazing training parlour may reduce overall stress burden enhance adaptability, research needed quantify productive merit sort program seasonal This highlights lack recent data relating management between weaning their first calving. Research needs document disseminate modern practices systems, as these affect welfare. following need collected priority: (1) frequency are weighed or receive health assessments, (2) management, (3) age surgical removal supernumerary teats, (4) mortality rate lactation, (5) typical procedures herd, including There also housing exported living other countries.