Maternal and social isolation have been shown to have detrimental effects on behaviour that persist into adulthood in a range of species. In the UK, dairy calves are separated from their dam almost immediately, and 60% are individually reared during their first weeks of life. The cost of rearing heifers is thought to account for 10% of milk production costs. Improving performance of rearing could have a considerable effect on dairy industry profitability. The aim of this review is to look at the effects of individual housing of dairy calves and to consider the application of social housing on farm.

SL Bolt - Animal Behaviour, Kingshay (part of the Origin Group), Bridge Farm, West Bradley, Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 8LU