Rearing calves with grazing foster cows: cost-benefit and sustainability analysis

This document presents a cost-benefit analysis of the grazing nurse cow system in France, emphasizing low initial and ongoing costs, high reductions in energy and input expenses, and strong environmental and social benefits. Key outcomes include improved animal health, feed self-sufficiency, soil regeneration, nitrogen cycling enhancement, and reduced workload. The system shows a payback period of 5–10 years, mid-level product value added, and no eligibility for agri-environmental payments. It supports youth engagement and is funded by the European Union, with views reflecting the authors’ only. References available via DOI links.