Israeli project looks at how to keep cows and calves together on dairy farms

Keeping calves with their mothers for longer periods after their birth has always been a controversial subject for dairy farmers, who cite concerns over cost, logistics and practicalities. Those in favour of the move say there are health and welfare benefits for both mother and offspring, as well as possible improvements in milk quality. An ongoing project in Israel, called Natural Dairy Farming, examines exactly what the practice means in reality as they keep cow and calf together for three months. Project leader Dr Sivan Lacker, also a veterinarian, said animal welfare could be increased across the board and profits could be maintained with the potential to increase milk quality. She started the project on a 90-cow farm in northern Israel and is hoping the benefits found can encourage others farmers to try the same. "I started my company Mutual Dairy Farming in 2013 with a sharp vision of improving cow and calf welfare in the dairy industry," Dr Lacker said. "A big part of what ...