Modern dairy cows are culled at 2-3 lactations on average despite having potential lifespans of 15-20 years — early culling reflects welfare problems as much as economic decisions.
Dairy cow longevity is both a welfare indicator and a welfare issue in its own right. Early culling — typically at 2-3 lactations — reflects the cumulative welfare cost of lameness, mastitis, reproductive failure, and metabolic disease. Cows in good welfare conditions, with appropriate nutrition, housing, and veterinary care, live longer productive lives, demonstrating that welfare and longevity are aligned. High-performance dairy genetics optimized for peak production are more susceptible to welfare-relevant diseases, creating a genetic selection tradeoff. Welfare certification schemes that measure and reward longevity create commercial incentives for dairy systems that prioritize long-term animal health.