Impact of the cow on the health and welfare of her calf

Good care of calves on a dairy farm ensures that calves grow up and develop well. Much is known about the way in which the farmer can manage calf health and development. Knowledge is lacking about the influence of the cow during pregnancy and parturition on health and welfare of the calf. In this project, information is collected from cows from conception to calving and calves are intensively monitored till six months of age. Herewith, knowledge will be gained on relationships between mother and calf and perspectives for practice can be developed to further improve the care for young calves.