Modern high-yielding dairy cows have dramatically shortened productive lifespans compared to traditional breeds, with most culled by their third or fourth lactation due to health breakdown under intensive production pressure.
The selection for extreme milk yield has created metabolic demands that push cows beyond physiological limits, contributing to metabolic disease, lameness, and mastitis. Welfare-focused breeding programmes increasingly emphasise longevity, health, and fertility traits alongside production, recognising that a healthier cow that lasts longer is better for both welfare and farm economics.