Modern dairy cows are culled at a fraction of their natural lifespan due to production-related health problems, raising serious welfare and sustainability concerns.
The short productive lifespan of modern dairy cows reflects a system that prioritizes milk output over animal health. Cows experience multiple health challenges over successive lactations, and many suffer chronic conditions before culling. Genetic selection and management practices that prioritize health and longevity over peak production can simultaneously improve welfare and reduce replacement costs.