Mid-term project meeting of the "ProYoungStock" partners near Gdánsk, Poland, 1-3 Oct 2019. (Photo: Courtesy of Hotel Spichrz in Borcz)
About ProYoungStock
Early separation of dairy cows and calves after birth is an animal welfare issue. It is practiced on most dairy farms, including organic ones. The (long-term) effects of natural rearing and feeding strategies on health, welfare and economic performance need further investigation in order to solve current problems and to find best practises.
This projects aims to:
The project will close the research gap regarding natural calf rearing and feeding systems. Different youngstock rearing practices will be evaluated concerning their health and longevity as dairy cows. Optimised grazing and feeding systems are important for many organic farms in extensive grassland areas in Europe. Natural, locally available herbal bioactive feed compounds will be tested and better known as a result of this project. Recommendations from this project will help to reduce the use of antibiotics and anthelmintics as well as concentrates while maintaining adequate production levels. Dam rearing systems will be promoted, contributing to better animal welfare and taking account of a major consumer wish.
Farmers, advisors, and other stakeholders will benefit from the results of this project through diverse dissemination activities such as workshops and leaflets, guidelines, practice abstracts, articles, websites and scientific publications.
For more information, please visit the following website:
https://www.proyoungstock.net/
Mid-term project meeting of the "ProYoungStock" partners near Gdánsk, Poland, 1-3 Oct 2019. (Photo: Courtesy of Hotel Spichrz in Borcz)
Rearing calves with foster cows with unrestricted access to sucking milk and hay. Ecological farm Eko-Farma Kaszubska in Wyczechowo.