For many, milk is part of everyday life – whether in coffee, in the breakfast muesli or when baking. But milk is not the same. An important factor for your quality is the type of animal husbandry. In particular, pasture keeping is often perceived as particularly animal -friendly and of course. But what influence does it really have on milk quality, animal welfare and the environment? And how does pasture keeping differ compared to classic stable posture?
More movement, more naturalness: basics of pasture keeping
Cows in the pasture spend most of the time outside, eat fresh grass and have more space for free movement. These conditions promote the natural behavior of the animals, which can have a positive effect on their health. Studies show that cows on pastures are less likely to suffer from claws or metabolic diseases than animals that are kept exclusively in the stable.
Freedom of movement not only affects muscle building, but also on the general fitness and the immune system. In this context too Brands like Kerrygold great importance to emphasize the pasture as a central quality feature of its milk production.
Differences in the milk composition
The diet of the cows affects the milk directly. Pasture cows, the fresh grass eat, provide milk, which differs in their composition of the milk of the stable animals. Typically, it contains more natural plant substances such as carotenoids that can influence color and taste. The direct comparison shows that the type of feeding plays a major role, not only for the nutrient content, but also for the sensory quality of the milk.
Animal welfare: more than just an outlet
Fear keeping is often used as a synonym for good animal welfare. Many other factors play a role here. Regular veterinary controls, balanced feeding and effective protection against extreme weather conditions are essential to ensure the well -being of the animals sustainably. Especially in hot summer months or in heavy rain, cows need access to shady or covered areas to avoid stress and health stress.
A good pasture therefore not only requires space, but also a well thought -out management. Brands like Kerrygold rely on the natural form of husbandry with the highest possible standards to secure the health and well -being of the animals all year round.
Effects on the environment
If the pasture is kept in a corresponding implementation, positive effects on the environment can also have. Permanent grassland binds carbon in the ground, promotes the biodiversity and protects water resources. At the same time, extensively used pasture areas offer living space for numerous plant and animal species.
However, the area consumption when the pasture keeps is significantly higher than with intensive stable farming. If the stocking or uncontrolled grazing or uncontrolled grazing, soil compression and nutrients can occur. In comparison, stable posture can use areas more efficiently, but is often associated with higher energy and feed consumption, especially if feed must be imported.
Regional differences: not the same pasture everywhere
Whether pasture keeping is practical at all depends heavily on the climatic and geographical conditions. In many regions of Europe, for example in those with long and strict winters, a year -round pasture is not possible. There you often focus on combined systems in which the animals are in the pasture during the vegetation period and are housed in the stable in winter.
In moderate zones such as Ireland, where the cows of Kerrygold are also kept, the conditions are ideal. The combination of plenty of precipitation and mild temperatures enables almost year -round willow use. This enables traditionally shaped milk production to be preserved, which meets both ecological and economic requirements.
Economic aspects of grazing
The pasture is more labor -intensive than stable farming. Witema management, fence care, the creation and maintenance of potions as well as additional feed supplements in lean times are constantly causing effort and costs. Veterinary care also requires predictive planning, since grazing animals are more exposed to weather -related risks.
In addition, the area requirement can be significant. Companies that keep their animals in the pasture require larger land areas. In addition, there are challenges such as changing weather conditions that influence the yields and require increased flexibility in the management.
Nevertheless, this additional effort can be worthwhile. The demand for dairy products from pasture farming is growing in many markets, since consumers are increasingly attaching importance to transparency, animal welfare and sustainable production methods. Many are ready to pay higher prices for products that are made under more appropriate conditions.
For agricultural companies, there is an opportunity to position themselves positively through clear evidence of origin and credible communication. In the long term, grazing can become a stable economic model – with efficient operating and good marketing – which combines both ecological and economic advantages.
Stable farming: Efficiency in a confined space
Stable farming offers clear advantages in controlling production parameters. Feeding, health controls and milking processes can be planned and carried out efficiently. Large companies can achieve high amounts of milk at relatively low production costs through stable posture.
However, this efficiency also means restrictions on animal welfare. Lack of movement, higher disease rates and behavioral disorders are more often documented when stable. Especially in regions in which pasture keeping is difficult to implement, the improvement of stable farming systems remains a central topic, for example by the construction of running stables or the integration of discharge opportunities.
Conclusion: grazing as a model with potential and challenges
Main keeping can improve both milk quality and animal welfare – provided that it is carried out professionally and adapted to the respective environmental conditions. The comparison with stable posture shows that no form of husbandry is generally superior. The specific implementation, responsible animal management and the consideration of regional conditions are crucial.
A sustainable model for the future of the dairy industry is created where traditional forms of husbandry are sensibly combined with modern agricultural standards. The conscious handling of natural resources, animal -friendly support for animals and transparent communication are increasingly focused by – for companies, trade and consumers.
06/23/2025
