Some farms that utilize management systems which allows intermittent contact with the mother or visual contact through a barrier have shown to decrease stress for both calf and mother due to their bond. A maternal bond is characterized as a “preferential mutual, affectionate, emotional attachment that is relatively long lasting and survives temporary separations”. Calves that are able to socialize with the mother, display this strong bond by synchronizing their activities, grooming and greeting behavior upon reunion after being separated. One study has shown that even maintaining close proximity to the dam through a fence without nursing has shown to decrease stress and increase weight gain in calves compared to those that were completely isolated. The same amount of milk was given in isolation but the presence of the dam increased weight gain, indicating the mother has a positive effect on the calf, independent of milk transfer.

One week old calf and mom in Mongolia               Photo Credit