Summary
A dairy farmer in South Scotland, David Finlay, is using a cow-with-calf system where calves stay with their mothers for about six months, aiming to increase animal welfare and profitability. This approach contrasts with traditional practices where calves are separated from their mothers shortly after birth. While the system has faced skepticism, it claims benefits such as healthier animals and higher milk productivity.
Key Facts
- Traditional dairy farms separate calves from mothers within 24 hours to collect milk for sale.
- David Finlay farms 130 cows and allows calves to stay with their mothers for around six months.
- Finlay claims this method improves animal welfare and business profitability.
- Initially, the farm faced financial struggles but later adapted to make the system viable.
- The system reportedly results in faster-growing calves and 25% more milk production per cow.
- Rainton Farm is the largest commercial cow-with-calf dairy farm in Europe.
- The Scottish government is interested in supporting high animal welfare practices.
- Some farmers remain skeptical about the system's suitability for the broader dairy industry.
