Rearing of Female Calves by Foster Cows in Dairy Production: Summary of 10 Years of Experimentation at the INRAE-ASTER Unit

This study summarizes ten years of experimentation at the INRAE-ASTER Mirecourt unit where female dairy calves intended for herd renewal were reared by foster cows on grassland and organic farms. It details the design and implementation of this rearing system, along with monitoring of growth performance, health indicators, and calf behavior. The article examines foster cows as maternal substitutes and evaluates a taming protocol to establish positive human-calf relationships. Conducted within the PAPILLE polyculture–polyfarm organic system, the research aims to achieve high heifer growth without concentrate use, support first calving at 24 months, and improve welfare for both animals and farmers.