The “Keeping Cow with Calf” project has brought attention to a humane and innovative approach in the dairy industry, focusing on maintaining the bond between mother and calf after birth. Led by SRUC and supported by the Scottish Government and the European Union through the SRDP Knowledge Transfer and Innovation Fund (KTIF), this initiative aims to evaluate and enhance the cow-with-calf dairying system. The project blends economic, environmental, and social research to support sustainable dairy farming practices in Scotland.
Key Objectives of the Project
- Network Formation: A dedicated network has been established for stakeholders, including farmers, processors, researchers, and other dairy industry participants, who are interested in the cow-with-calf system.
- First-Hand Insights from Farmers: Interviews were conducted with farmers who actively practice the cow-with-calf system. These interviews help gather practical insights into the benefits and challenges experienced by those implementing the model.
- Sector-Wide Survey: Feedback from a diverse range of individuals across the dairy sector was collected to gain a broader understanding of perceptions and interest in the cow-with-calf system.
- Farm-Level Economic Evaluation: Detailed economic studies were undertaken at the farm level to understand the impact of this system on calf growth rates, cow health, longevity, and overall herd performance.
- System Benchmarking: Comparative benchmarking explored the system’s performance across four key dimensions: animal health, human wellbeing, environmental impact, and financial viability.
- Business and Marketing Strategies: Marketing potential and processor views on cow-with-calf dairy products were analysed. This includes consumer demand, pricing, and distribution models.
- Student Research Projects: Various student-led projects explored important themes such as maternal investment patterns and reasons for variation in milk yields over multiple lactations.
- Prospectus Development: A comprehensive guidebook (prospectus) summarising the project findings was created to help farmers and other stakeholders evaluate the viability of converting to this innovative system.
Project Components and Focus Areas
| Focus Area | Key Activities Undertaken |
|---|---|
| Stakeholder Engagement | Establishing a cross-sectoral network and conducting interactive interviews and surveys |
| Farmer Experiences | Documenting practical benefits and hurdles from existing practitioners |
| Economic Analysis | Assessing profitability, animal productivity, and cost dynamics of keeping calves with mothers |
| System Health Benchmarking | Evaluating performance using holistic metrics (human, animal, environmental, financial) |
| Product Market Assessment | Exploring consumer demand and industry acceptance of milk from cow-with-calf farms |
| Student Contributions | Incorporating academic inquiry into maternal behaviour and lactation trends |
| Information Dissemination | Publishing results and guidance in an accessible prospectus for the wider dairy community |
Benefits of the Cow-with-Calf System
- Improved Animal Welfare: Calves remain with their mothers longer, enhancing natural behaviour, social development, and stress reduction for both.
- Positive Public Perception: Consumers increasingly favour ethical farming. This system aligns with the growing demand for compassionate and sustainable dairy practices.
- Calf Health and Growth: Calves may experience improved early nutrition and immune function due to continued maternal milk feeding.
- Cow Longevity: Improved maternal satisfaction and reduced stress may contribute to longer productive lifespans in dairy cows.
- Diverse Business Models: Innovative marketing opportunities exist, including niche milk products marketed under ethical or animal-friendly labels.
Challenges Identified in the System
- Lower Immediate Milk Yield for Sale: Retaining milk for the calf means less commercial yield, potentially impacting revenue unless compensated by price premiums.
- Labour and Management Complexity: Additional management efforts are required for calf integration and cow-calf interaction monitoring.
- Infrastructure Adjustments: Modifications to housing and milking facilities may be needed to accommodate calf presence and maintain hygiene standards.
- Market Constraints: While consumer interest exists, processors may be slow to adapt, and consistent demand must be secured for sustainability.
Benchmarking the System: Human, Animal, Environmental, Financial
| Benchmark Area | Findings & Observations |
|---|---|
| Human Health & Wellbeing | Farmers reported higher job satisfaction and emotional fulfilment when practising this humane system |
| Animal Welfare | Cows and calves display more natural behaviours and lower stress levels |
| Environmental Impact | Systems often tie into pasture-based or organic farming, supporting biodiversity and soil health |
| Financial Performance | Long-term viability is possible when paired with premium pricing, direct sales, or brand differentiation |
Contribution of the Dairy Research and Innovation Centre
- Research Support: The Dairy Research and Innovation Centre at SRUC plays a key role in driving this and other research on sustainable dairy systems.
- Innovation Hub: The centre offers a space where ideas are tested and results disseminated to farmers and the broader industry.
- Cross-Project Integration: Learnings from other SRUC projects on feeding, breeding, and environment were used to enhance the cow-with-calf initiative.
Student Research Highlights
| Project Theme | Findings |
|---|---|
| Maternal Investment Patterns | Individual cows show variation in how they care for calves; genetics and experience matter |
| Milk Yield Variation | Early lactation yields may dip, but long-term trends remain stable in healthy herd systems |
| Calf Behaviour Studies | Calves allowed to stay with mothers tend to be more socially adjusted and robust |
Marketing and Consumer Insight
- Ethical Branding: Products from cow-with-calf systems may carry ethical certification or animal welfare labels to capture niche markets.
- Premium Product Strategy: Many consumers are willing to pay more for milk that supports humane animal treatment and ecological practices.
- Processor Feedback: Processors noted that marketing support and consistent product availability would be key to scaling up distribution.
Future Directions
- Policy Advocacy: Results from this project may be used to influence future agricultural policies favouring welfare-focused dairying.
- Educational Outreach: Workshops, publications, and online resources are being developed to inform farmers, students, and consumers alike.
- Expansion Potential: The model shows promise beyond Scotland and could inspire similar systems in other countries committed to ethical farming.
Future Implications
The “Keeping Cow with Calf” project has shown that innovation in dairy farming need not come at the cost of animal welfare. By studying this system in-depth across various domains—economic, environmental, and social—this project provides a roadmap for sustainable and ethical dairy production. Future growth depends on informed decision-making, strong marketing strategies, and continued knowledge-sharing across the sector.
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