Understanding how cow–calf dairy systems can reduce the emotional impact of painful procedures such as disbudding is key to improving calf well-being. This research found that the behaviour of disbudded calves in attention bias tests (ABT) was unaffected by whether they were dam-reared or commercially reared, likely owing to compounded stress factors. Developing methods to assess dam-reared calf emotions within their natural environment will enhance our understanding of their experiences in pasture-based extended suckling systems.

This article belongs to the collection: Australasian Dairy Science Symposium 2024.

David Coates, a highly respected agricultural scientist who spent a lifetime working for the benefit of the northern Australian cattle industries, passed away on the 24 January 2024. David had exceptional knowledge and experience of the practical aspects of the industry. He excelled in his contributions, especially towards understanding of phosphorus nutrition in both pastures and cattle in northern Australia, and in his leadership in the development of near-infrared spectroscopy of the dung of cattle for rapid and economical measurements of the diets of cattle grazing rangelands.