Welfare implications for dairy bull calves

Abstract

Abstract Dairy bull calves may experience compromised welfare as a result of production practices and management techniques implemented on farm. This includes high disease incidence due to poor ventilation, pain experienced as a by-product of processing procedures, social isolation, and hunger from inappropriate nutrition. Although dairy heifer calves may experience similar issues, these conditions are often exacerbated for dairy bull calves due to the low economic value of the individual animal. In addition, given the bull calf will likely not remain on the farm, this group of animals are more likely to receive less adequate care in the first weeks of life. Welfare issues such as increased rates of dystocia, failure of passive transport, dehorning, castration, and long transportation distances are all critical and will be discussed in this review. Therefore, the objectives of this article are to (1) evaluate current welfare concerns specific to dairy bull calves, (2) identify areas for improvement to mitigate poor welfare outcomes, and (3) review proper euthanasia techniques and protocols specific for calves. Ultimately there is still much to learn about specific areas for improvement relating to the welfare of dairy bull calves and future studies are needed. However, the industry should properly manage the welfare challenges of bull calves, identify opportunities within the industry to increase their value, and uphold our ethical responsibility to these animals.