This section is on calf specific questions. These are all questions that have been submitted or that I have been inspired to talk about because of a question submitted. If you have any topics that you would like to have discussed please feel free to email me with the topic or question.
The purpose of dairy cows is to produce milk. To produce milk, a cow must first have a calf -- calves are primarily produced so that the cow will produce milk. Thus, the calves are not left to nurse on their mothers after a day or so of age. The calves that the dairy is going to keep are females that will eventually replace the cows that become too old or sick to stay in the milk production line. These calves traditionally were kept in groups and housed in barns since they need to be intensely managed. Kept in such a situation, a significant percentage of these calves would die from respiratory and other infectious diseases. To prevent this loss of calf life, research was done on the optimum way to raise these calves. It was determined that calves raised outside and kept from physical contact with other calves were healthier than calves kept together inside. So, many dairies now keep their calves in individual pens outside with calf hutches for shelter. This management keep the calves healthier than any other method. So, yes it is normal and it actually improves their quality of life.
I have researched and answered these questions to the best of my ability. But I am human and make mistakes. If there is any part of my answer that you feel is incorrect, please let me know. The last thing I want is to disseminate false or incorrect information.