End-of-life decisions for dairy cows involve significant welfare considerations, as prolonged productive life extension can conflict with animal welfare when cows are in declining health.
Dairy cows whose productive life ends should receive humane end-of-life care, but economic pressures sometimes delay culling decisions when cows are experiencing significant health problems. The transport of severely compromised cows to slaughter causes welfare harm documented in regulatory violations and welfare audits. On-farm euthanasia by a veterinarian is the most humane option for cows that cannot be transported without pain. Clear culling decision frameworks and economic support for on-farm euthanasia costs improve the welfare of dairy cows at end of life.