New Swedish research project focusing on outdoor access and dairy cow welfare
A new research project at Linnaeus University aims to shed light on the much-debated issue of dairy cows’ legal right to outdoor access during the summer. The goal is to produce a scientific basis tailored to Swedish conditions, with a focus on both the cows’ well-being and the needs of farmers. The project has been granted just over five million kronor by the Marie-Claire Cronstedt Foundation.
Sweden is the only country in the world where dairy cows have a legal right to outdoor access in summer. However, this issue has been hotly debated in recent years. Critics argue that the legal requirement places a heavy financial burden on farmers and may have negative consequences for the animals’ health, suggesting that the grazing requirement should be made voluntary. Supporters claim that outdoor access allows cows to express natural behaviours such as grazing, socialising and exploring open environments.
Improving animal welfare on a scientific basis
Linnaeus University is now launching a research project to provide scientific answers on the significance of outdoor access for dairy cows. The aim is to develop a system for assessing both the animals’ experiences and the quality of their environments – making it possible to improve animal welfare on a scientific basis. Among other things, the researchers will map the health status and living conditions of dairy cows across Sweden, how these change throughout the year, and how the animals’ health and productivity are linked to the outdoor environments they inhabit.
“Sweden is a world leader when it comes to grazing access for dairy cows, but the current discussions about easing these laws raise important questions. We aim to provide scientific answers about the effects of different grazing practices, to support well-informed decisions that address both the cows’ welfare and farmers’ needs”, says Daiana de Oliveira, project leader and professor of farm animal welfare at Linnaeus University.
Close collaboration with the industry
The research will be conducted in close collaboration with farmers, whose perspectives and interpretations of existing regulations are crucial for developing animal welfare in a way that is practical and feasible, Daiana de Oliveira says. She sees the project as an opportunity to bridge gaps between researchers, farmers, and policymakers through collaboration.
“We hope to provide valuable insights into the challenges farmers face regarding animal welfare regulations, their views on outdoor access, and their willingness to invest in improvements. The research may identify where farmers need more resources or guidance”, says Daiana de Oliveira.
“It is crucial that we work together to build a more sustainable future for animals, the environment, and people”, she adds.
Solutions tailored to Swedish conditions
The researchers aim to develop a standardised protocol for assessing the welfare of grazing dairy cows, designed specifically for Swedish conditions.
“To effectively assess the welfare of dairy cows on pasture, we need to consider the unique aspects of outdoor environments, including challenges such as heat stress, pests, and walking distances, as well as benefits such as the opportunity to express natural behaviours and improved freedom of movement”, says Daiana de Oliveira.
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The research project Enhancing Dairy Cattle Welfare in Sweden: A Holistic Approach to Grazing Welfare is led by Linnaeus University, in collaboration with representatives from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), the organisation Växa, and BOKU University in Austria. The project has been granted just over five million kronor in funding from the Marie-Claire Cronstedt Foundation.