Dairy cows are culled at much earlier ages than their natural lifespan. Extending productive life through better welfare is both economically and ethically beneficial.
Dairy cow longevity is directly linked to welfare: the conditions that allow cows to live longer productive lives are the same conditions that improve daily welfare. Lameness prevention through good flooring, hoof trimming, and body condition management, mastitis control through hygiene and early treatment, and reproductive management that reduces metabolic stress all extend productive life while simultaneously reducing suffering. The economic alignment between welfare and longevity provides industry incentives for improvement that pure welfare arguments alone cannot always achieve. Progressive producers measuring and reporting culling rates as a welfare metric are leading the sector toward more compassionate and sustainable management.