Farmed Animals

Dairy Cow Longevity and Welfare

Modern dairy cows are culled after 2-3 lactations due to production decline and disease, far short of their potential 20-year lifespan.

Key Facts

Average dairy cow longevity has decreased from 5 to under 3 lactations over 50 years
Culling rates of 25-30% annually are standard in intensive dairy systems
Metabolic diseases including ketosis and milk fever affect 30-50% of cows post-calving
Cows with better welfare and health records show higher lifetime productivity

Welfare Considerations

Cows culled after 2-3 lactations never reach their behavioral and psychological maturity. High-producing cows in intensive systems are metabolically stressed throughout their short productive lives. Culling itself involves additional transport and slaughter stress. Longevity selection and better welfare management can simultaneously improve productivity and welfare outcomes.

What You Can Do

Choose dairy products from farms demonstrating higher longevity in their herds
Support welfare outcome monitoring that includes longevity as a key indicator
Advocate for genetic selection programs that balance production with longevity and health
Reduce dairy consumption or shift to plant-based alternatives