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Dans les conditions naturelles, les jeunes ruminants développent un lien privilégié avec leur mère dans les heures qui suivent la naissance, lien qui perdure bien au-delà de l’allaitement. Or, sur les 5,5 millions de jeunes ruminants (veaux, chevreaux et agneaux) qui naissent chaque année en France dans des élevages laitiers, la grande majorité sont séparés de leur mère à la naissance et allaités « artificiellement » au seau. La séparation mère-jeune précoce interpelle les citoyens et certains éleveurs quant au respect du bien-être de l’animal. L’allaitement artificiel des femelles de renouvellement jusqu’au sevrage permet d’assurer, à un coût maitrisé, un développement mammaire optimal et un bon potentiel laitier. Cependant, l’allaitement par les mères ou par des nourrices se développe, principalement en élevage bovin. Ce type d’allaitement entraine généralement des quantités de lait commercialisables moindres, mais la croissance, la santé et le bien-être des veaux sont améliorés. Des questions se posent aussi sur le devenir des jeunes, mâles pour l’essentiel, non conservés pour le renouvellement du troupeau. Ceux-ci quittent généralement l’élevage quelques semaines après la naissance pour être engraissés dans des ateliers spécialisés, voire exportés. Là aussi, afin de répondre aux nouvelles attentes des consommateurs et pallier le faible intérêt économique de ces débouchés, éleveurs et filières recherchent des solutions alternatives telles que l’engraissement à la ferme, de nouveaux modes d’élevage ou de nouveaux débouchés. Ces pratiques alternatives – allaitement naturel ou engraissement sur place des jeunes mâles – pourraient se développer grâce à une identification de leurs produits (lait, viande) et au consentement du consommateur à les payer plus cher que des produits standards.

The purpose of this study was to identify and describe strategies used by European dairy farmers with cow-calf contact (CCC) systems. Farms allowing at least 7 days CCC in Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Sweden and Switzerland were interviewed between September 2018 and January 2019 following a standardised questionnaire. In total, 104 interviews were included in the analysis; no CCC farms were identified in Poland. Average herd size was 53±59 (mean ± SD) cows. Dam rearing was practiced on 34% of farms, while 12% used foster cows, 28% used a mix of dam and foster cows and 23% first let the calves suckle their dam and then manually milk fed them. On 46% of farms, the calves had full day contact (except at milking), while 5% practiced half day CCC and 36% let the calves suckle at milking. Farmers perceived several benefits with keeping cow and calf together, including improved overall health (79% of farms) and weight gains (84%) in calves. Udder health in suckled cows was most often perceived as the same (40% of farms) or improved (38%) as in systems with early separation. Common drivers for using CCC systems were improved calf health, more natural farming system and increased labour efficiency. The most commonly stated barrier for implementing CCC was barn construction, while stress responses when separating cows and calves were observed by many farmers (87% of farms). The study suggests that there is a range of different strategies allowing CCC used on European farms, and identifies research regarding suitable housing during the suckling period and routines for cow-calf separation as key.

The transfer of sufficient immunoglobulin G (IgG) to the neonatal calf through colostrum is essential to provide the calf with immunological protection and resistance against disease. Studies on the efficiency of colstrum intake and levels of IgG absorption in calves reared with cow contact are contradictory . On-farm trials were conducted in Switzerland (CH) and France (FR) to test if (1) passive transfer of immunity from cows to calves and (2) if immune (IgG) and antimicrobial (lactoferrin content=LF) parameters in dairy cows’ milk would change by nursing. Calves’ plasma and milk from cows being milked and additionally suckled twice daily for 30 minutes after milking (CH) or between morning and evening milking (FR) was compared to milk from dairy cows only milked. In CH trials IgG content in calf serum did not differ between feeding groups at any observation point, but showed a clear change over time in form of a marked drop followed by an increase again. This was mainly due to the fact that colostrum mangement between suckling and teat bucket fed calves did not differ in these trials. In FR, the IgG concentration in calves’ serum was similar in the different groups and no interaction was observed with the week. The passive immunity transfer was adequate for most calves, except for 3, 2 and 4 calves (out of 14) in groups Control, Dam and Mixed respectively whose plasma IgG concentration was below the threshold of 10 g/L (Besser et al., 1991). The plasma IgG concentration decreased significantly from week 3 to 10 and was significantly higher in female than in male calves. In Swiss trials neither IgG content (mg/L) nor lactoferrin content (LF) in cows' milk differed between feeding regimes. While IgG considerably decreased after 3 weeks, LF content stayed constant, but was more variable in nursing cows. By contrast, in French trials milk IgG was significantly higher in Mixed-cows in week 3, compared to Control and Dam-cows. This finding is very surprising considering that in week 3, all Mixed and Dam cows were suckling their calves. Therefore, differences do not seem to be due to calves’ suckling. Further investigations need to be done in order to try to understand the French results. Also contrary to the Swiss results, milk LF concentration increased steadily from week 3 to 13 and in Week 13. Milk LF was significantly higher in Control cows compared to Dam and Mixed-cows. Again, this result is very surprising and does not seem to be related to calves’ suckling as in week 13, all calves were weaned in all groups. Here again, further investigation needs to be done in order to try to understand this result that could be linked to milk SCC, slightly higher in average in Control cows in week 13.

This review constitutes a part of the Core Organic project ‘ProYoungStock’ – Promoting young stock and cow health and welfare by natural feeding systems. The overarching aim of the project is to improve young stock rearing systems concerning animal welfare-friendly husbandry, feeding and disease prevention by identifying approaches on different levels. More natural rearing systems are one approach to solve welfare problems in current calf rearing. Previous studies have shown considerable variations in herd characteristics and management strategies between organic dairy farms in Europe. The differences have been associated with regional and national conditions for organic farming. However, it is possible that differences in national legislation also play a part in these variations. Relevant EU and national rules on organic production and animal welfare were compiled in the following seven European countries: Sweden (SE), France (FR), Poland (PL), Germany (DE), Italy (IT), Austria (AT), and Switzerland (CH). The purpose was to provide information on drivers and barriers for cow-calf contact systems in organic dairy production and to identify possible areas for improvement and/or harmonization. Our results did not identify any major barriers in national rules for the use of rearing systems allowing cow-calf contact. Instead, cow-calf contact is promoted by the requirement to feed organic calves preferably maternal milk during the first three months of their life. Specifications regarding calf rearing derives from animal protection legislation rather than regulations of organic farming but milk hygiene regulations can also have an influence on practicability of cow-calf contact. Variations in national legislation can affect details of design and implementation of cow-calf systems, however, other factors (e.g. overall conditions for organic dairy farming, traditions, economics and disease prevention strategies) rather than regulations likely play more important roles.

Take home message: Various methods and practices are available to efficiently reared calves through suckling in dairy cows, using specific nurse cows or not.

La séparation précoce mère-veau est une pratique courante dans la plupart des élevages laitiers, mais est sujette à de nombreuses interrogations tant chez les éleveurs (coûts engendrés, travail) que dans la société (bien-être animal). Des pratiques alternatives mises en place par certains éleveurs permettent aux veaux d'être allaités par leur mère ou une autre vache, appelée « nourrice ». Quoiqu’anciennes, ces pratiques demeurent peu connues et leur intégration aux conditions d’élevages modernes questionne. Des enquêtes ont ainsi été réalisées en 2018 pour connaître la motivation des éleveurs, la diversité et les conséquences de ces pratiques sur les résultats techniques. Cent deux élevages, identifiés par des réseaux divers (conseil en élevage, chambres d’agriculture, coopératives…), ont été enquêtés dans le Grand Ouest (n = 50), le Grand Est (n = 41) et le Massif central (n = 11), par téléphone (n = 56) ou sur place (n = 46). La taille médiane des troupeaux est de 60 vaches laitières (8 à 210), principalement constitués de vaches de race Montbéliarde et Holstein. Les élevages sont pour moitié en agriculture biologique (56%), avec une grande diversité de systèmes de traite et de logement (salle de traite en épi, robot, stabulation entravée, libre à logettes…). Trois grandes conduites d'allaitement des veaux, de la naissance à la vente ou au sevrage, ont été identifiées : 1/ les veaux sont allaités exclusivement par leur mère ; 2/ les veaux sont élevés par leur mère puis reçoivent une alimentation lactée artificielle (poudre ou lait entier) ; 3/ les veaux sont élevés par leur mère puis sous une vache nourrice. Elles diffèrent souvent au sein d’un même élevage (n = 62) entre les veaux destinés à la vente (mâles ou femelles) et les velles de renouvellement. La diversité des systèmes d'allaitement se retrouve dans tous les types d'élevages, quelle que soit leur taille ou leur localisation géographique. L'amélioration de la santé des animaux (n = 52), la diminution du temps de travail (n = 47) et des coûts d’élevage (n = 32) sont les principales motivations des éleveurs à mettre en place ces pratiques. Pour 80% d’entre eux, ces pratiques alternatives ont entrainé une diminution de la fréquence des diarrhées des veaux et une amélioration de leur croissance. La séparation tardive vache-veau demeure le point négatif de ces pratiques, avec des périodes de meuglements de 2,4 jours en moyenne. Certains éleveurs, ayant utilisé puis abandonné ces pratiques, pointent aussi d’autres limites (problèmes sanitaires, bâtiments inadaptés). Cette enquête, qui a permis de mieux connaître les pratiques d'allaitement des veaux laitiers par leur mère et sous nourrice, va être complétée par des enquêtes similaires et des expérimentations en fermes, au niveau européen, afin d’avoir une vision plus large de ces pratiques et de leurs impacts., The early cow-calf separation is a common practice in most dairy farms, but it questions both farmers (costs and work involved) and citizens (animal welfare). Alternative practices, implemented by some farmers, allow the calves to suckle their dam or a foster cow. These practices, sometime historic, remain little known and their integration into modern farming systems is questionable. Surveys were thus carried out in 2018 in order to better know the motivation of the farmers, the diversity and the consequences of these practices on technical results. One hundred and two dairy farms, identified by various networks (farm advisors, cooperatives…) in the French Massif central (n = 11), the West (n = 50) and the East (n = 41) of France, were surveyed by phone (n = 56) or on-site (n =46). The median size of herds is 66 dairy cows (8 to 210), mainly from Montbéliarde and and Holstein breeds. More than half of the farms were in organic farming (56%), with a great diversity in milking and housing systems (milking parlour, robotic milking, tie-stall barn, loose housing…). Three major calves feeding practices, from birth until the sale or the weaning, were identified. They often differ within a same farm (n = 62) between the calves for sale (male or female) and the ones for renewal: 1 / the calves are exclusively fed by their mother; 2 / the calves are fed by their mother and then artificially (milk powder or entire milk); 3 / the calves are fed by their mother and then by a foster cow.The diversity of calves feeding systems is found in all types of farms, regardless to their size or their geographic location. Improving the health of animals (n = 52), the reduction of working time (n = 47) and livestock costs (n = 32) are the main motivations of farmers to implement these practices. For 80% of them, these alternative practices led to a reduction of diarrhoea frequency of calves and an improved growth. The late cow-calf separation remains the negative point of these practices, with mooing periods averaging 2.4 days. This survey, which allowed a better knowledge of feeding practices of dairy calves by their mother or a foster cow, will be complemented by similar works and farm experiments, at European level, in order to have a wider vision of these practices and their impact.

In dairy farms calves and cows are usually separated shortly after birth but this practice raises the question of animal welfare. This social concern may lead to bring back dairy calves to their mother. Even though suckling is quite seldom in dairy production, some farmers are using such a practice for many years. The present study aims to better know farmer’s motivations, practical implementation and farmer’s perception of the impact of suckling on performance and animal behaviour. In January 2018 a semi-quantitative survey was performed on 44 farms where calves suckle at least 24 hours their mother or a nurse cow. The farming systems differed on the size (20 to 140 cows), the type (19 conventional, 25 organic farms), the suckling (28 by the mothers, 16 by nurses), and the breed. Results indicate that main farmers’ motivations are calves’ health (52%), better working conditions (41%) and saving time (34%), with little consideration on animal welfare (7%). Numerous practices were found in terms of allowance of daily cow-calf contact and suckling duration with a difference between male and female calves. According to farmers, these practices were efficient to improved calves’ health (70%), save time (75%) and improved working conditions (52%). Weaning was considered as a stressful situation, especially after long suckling periods. Cow mooing usually stopped 2.5 d after weaning. At least 34 farmers are fully satisfied with this practice. The main challenge appears to be the management of the wildness of future heifers, by investing time to manipulate calves before weaning. The results of this survey could help to propose solutions to farmers who want to cope with the societal demand of keeping calves with dams in dairy herds.

La valorisation des produits de terroir, notamment dans les filières AOP, passe par la capacité à préciser le lien entre le produit et son territoire. Pour les productions fromagères, l'herbe constitue un lien fort et il est important de caractériser sa valorisation par les animaux et les conséquences sur les caractéristiques nutritionnelles et sensorielles de leurs produits. Cette étude a comparé les caractéristiques nutritionnelles et sensorielles de fromages de type Cantal issus de deux systèmes de pâturage : un pâturage continu conduit avec un chargement faible sur une pâture très diversifiée et un pâturage tournant avec un chargement plus élevé sur une ancienne prairie temporaire. Au printemps, le pâturage continu a permis d'obtenir un lait riche en acides gras d'intérêt nutritionnel et des fromages fondants et jaunes ; en été, avec l'avancement non maîtrisé du stade de l'herbe, la teneur de ces acides gras a chuté, modifiant les caractéristiques sensorielles des fromages. Le profil en acides gras du lait obtenu avec pâturage tournant a été plus stable sur la saison. Texture, apparence, flaveur et goût des fromages ont été proches entre les deux conduites, les fromages du pâturage continu se distinguant par leur flaveur légèrement plus intense dans le cas d'un affinage long., Promoting traditional local produce, such as AOP-certified dairy products, implies publicizing the fact that the specific characteristics of the finished product are tied to the soil and tradition of its region of production. Where dairy products are concerned, grass is a determining factor, and it is important to characterize the way in which it is used by animals and its impact on the nutritional and sensory properties of finished products. This study compared the properties of different Cantal-type cheeses whose production is based on two distinct pasture systems: continuous pasture with a low stocking rate on botanically-rich grassland and rotational pasture with a higher stocking rate on former temporary grassland. Continuous pasture produced milk that was rich in fatty acids with a high nutritional value, especially in the spring, and soft yellow cheese. The texture, appearance, flavour and taste of the different cheeses was very similar for both systems, although the flavour of the continuous pasture cheeses did have a more intense flavour when left to ripen for a longer period of time.

L'omission d'une traite par jour entraîne, chez la vache laitière, une importante perte de production suivie d'un effet rémanent négatif lors du retour à 2 traites par jour, après 3 semaines de monotraite. La perte de production lors du passage à 1 traite/j est très variable entre animaux (Rémond et Pomiès, 2005), rendant difficile une prévision. L'identification, et plus encore la sélection d'animaux aptes à supporter la monotraite nécessite de mesurer un phénotype corrélé aux 2 aspects de cette aptitude (perte, effet rémanent), facilement mesurable en ferme et assez tôt dans la lactation. La présente étude a pour objet de décrire la variabilité entre individus des 2 aspects de l'aptitude à la monotraite, et aussi d'identifier des premiers phénotypes prédicteurs.