The productive lifespan of dairy cows has declined dramatically in modern systems; improving cow longevity is both a welfare and sustainability goal that are mutually reinforcing.
The metabolic demands of high milk production in modern dairy breeds create conditions that accelerate physical depletion and disease. Cows that are consistently managed for production at the expense of health are culled after 2-3 years when their productive efficiency declines. Each early culling represents a welfare failure: an animal that spent its short life under metabolic stress before being killed at a fraction of its natural lifespan. Longevity-focused management that prioritizes health, foot care, nutrition, and reduced production stress improves both individual welfare and long-term herd sustainability.