Dairy Cow Lifespan
The use of cows in non-industrial economy and in dairy cattle breeding lasts 68 years. For example dairy cows are bred to have a lot of milk to the point that some cows find it hard to walk. The Daily Enlightenment How Dairy Cows Veal Calves Suffer A dairy cow doesnt produce milk until she has a calf. Dairy cow lifespan . Trends in productive lifespan Productive lifespan of dairy cattle is on average less than 3 years in the United States. Many dont even reach their fifth birthdays and all are raised for the intention of providing milk. The natural lifespan of dairy cattle is approximately 20 yr Nowak 1999. Genetics Some cows have great genes and longevity runs in their family. Within herds productive lifespans for individual cows vary from 1 day to more than 10 years Pinedo et al 2010 although it is rare for dairy cows to reach 10 years of age. Physical exercise may reduce the risk on health problems and thereby contribute to a longer lifespan. She is about two y