This article adds to the recent post on calves referencing articles in the Bovine Veterinarian. Link.
A new study by researchers at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada) examines young dairy calves’ motivation to seek companionship from other calves.
The study results indicate that young calves are motivated for full social contact . . .“
Source: The Bullvine, January 2022. Link. Most dairy calves are housed individually in the first weeks and sometimes months of their lives, a practice that has come under scrutiny for its effects on animal behavior, welfare, and health. Despite growing scientific and public support for social housing, approximately 75 percent and 60 percent of preweaning dairy calves in the United States and Europe, respectively, are still housed individually.