The effects of early separation on the dairy cow and calf (2003)

Flower, F. C., Weary, D. M.

Abstract

Calf response to separation also increases when the calf spends more time with the cow, but there are long-term benefits of prolonged contact in terms of sociality, fearfulness and future maternal behaviour. Health, weight gain and future reproductivity are also improved when the calf is allowed to spend more time with the cow.This is a review article.