Understanding Abnormal Behaviour in Dairy Calves – A Narrative Review

This paper synthesises a range of findings on so-called abnormal behaviour in dairy calves. Accurate identification of normal and abnormal behaviours in dairy calves is essential for assessing welfare across diverse production systems. Behaviours that appear typical, such as grooming, tongue playing or non-nutritive chewing, may, under certain management conditions, reflect underlying motivational conflict or frustration. Inadequate milk allowances and poorly designed feeding regimes remain primary drivers of such abnormal and stereotypic behaviours, indicating compromised welfare and suboptimal environmental conditions. These behavioural responses often reflect adaptations to restrictions in environmental complexity, feeding opportunities or social interaction. Empirical evidence highlights that improvements in milk-feeding management, environmental enrichment and access to social contact markedly reduce the occurrence of stereotypies and promote behavioural and physiological well-being. Integrating evidence-based nutritional strategies with enriched husbandry environments provides an effective means of improving calf welfare while supporting sustainable productivity in modern dairy systems. Future research should continue to refine feeding strategies and enhance housing conditions to promote a more animal-oriented production system.