Invited review: Academic and applied approach to evaluating longevity in dairy cows

Journal of Dairy Science
Jesse C SchusterKarin Orsel

Abstract

In its simplest form, longevity is defined as the ability to live a long life. Within the dairy industry, longevity has been defined and measured in many different ways, and the aim of this review is to disentangle the definitions and provide some clarity. Using a more standardized approach for defining and measuring longevity, both in academic discussions and on-farm application, we suggest using herd life (days) for time from birth until culling, and length of productive life (days) for time from first calving until culling. Despite identified benefits of extending the length of productive life, global trends in the time spent by dairy cattle in the herd have mostly been negative. Factors influencing herd life, such as health, rearing, environmental conditions, and management, are often ignored when longevity goals are evaluated, thereby underestimating the effect these factors have on defining overall longevity. Also, production efficiency, herd profitability, and welfare are not necessarily served by the longest life but rather by the optimized length of herd life instead. The majority of research has focused on the role of genetics on longevity. In this review, we provide insight into influences affecting dairy cow herd li...Continue Reading

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Citations

Apr 30, 2021·Frontiers in Veterinary Science·Imke VredenbergWilma Steeneveld
Jul 27, 2021·Journal of Dairy Science·J S M van der LaanT van Werven
Aug 21, 2021·Frontiers in Genetics·Honghong HuYun Ma

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