Modern dairy cows are typically slaughtered at a fraction of their potential lifespan, with metabolic disease a primary driver.
Intensive dairy production pushes cows to metabolic limits that cause premature breakdown. Lameness, mastitis, reproductive failure, and metabolic disorders — all linked to high-yield genetics and management — cut productive lives short and cause chronic pain during those truncated lives. Farmers often cannot afford to keep sick animals, creating a system where welfare failures drive culling. Reforms that reduce yield pressure, improve flooring, and prioritise herd health extend both lifespan and welfare quality.