Do calves have friends: The social side of housing
21 Nov 2025
RVC Farm Theatre
Cattle
,
Large Animal
,
Welfare
Cattle are gregarious in nature, and so social housing is important, particularly in the rearing period. Calves may be housed alone due to perceptions of improved biosecurity, but it is important to consider the social aspects of behaviour, with calves found to be social learners and to prefer contact with others. This presentation covers some of the aspects of calf housing in relation to socialisation, as well as how the housing environment impacts the important pre-weaning period.
- An understanding of how calves respond to different types of housing, namely individual, pair and group housing.
- An appreciation of the different environmental parameters that can impact calf health.
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