Genetics Boost Cow Longevity, Profitability in Dairy Herds

Advances in genetic selection are helping dairy farmers extend the productive life of their cows, with new research and breeding tools showing that longevity can be improved alongside key production traits. The development comes as an important strategy for enhancing farm profitability and sustainability, given that longer-lived cows reduce replacement costs and improve herd stability.

Industry experts highlight that while traditional breeding focused primarily on milk yield, more holistic genetic indices now incorporate fertility, health and structural soundness, leading to cows that remain productive for more lactations. This shift is supported by expanded genomic testing and national sire evaluation programs that allow farmers to select bulls and cows with proven longevity markers.

Longer cow lifespans deliver multiple benefits:

• Reduced replacement herd costs since cows remain in the herd longer.

• Improved lifetime productivity as healthy cows sustain milk output over more lactations.

• Enhanced sustainability through lower herd turnover and reduced environmental footprint per litre of milk produced.

Genomic tools, coupled with improved data recording on farms, allow producers to rank animals by predicted longevity, giving actionable insights that extend beyond conventional selection for milk solids. Industry bodies are encouraging wider adoption of these indices, noting that longevity genetics can be integrated with other breeding goals without compromising yield or quality.

Looking ahead, genetic selection for longevity is expected to become a standard component of herd improvement programs, helping dairy enterprises improve profit per cow, animal welfare and overall sustainability — aligning economic and ethical goals for modern dairy farming.

Source : Dairynews7x7 Feb 8th 2026 Read full story here 

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