Dairy Up project 2a: Unlocking the potential of the cow - longevity: age and parity in intensive herds

The longevity of a dairy cow is directly related to the profitability and environmental sustainability of the dairy industry. That is, the ability to keep dairy cows for longer could enhance the economic performance of the farm. This project aims to enhance the well being of intensively managed dairy cattle to increase productivity and welfare, whilst reducing the environmental footprint. The project will focus on: 1 - gaining a greater understanding of risks for removal of cows in herds with different feeding systems 2 - establishing baseline expectation for survival in more intensive and more extensive herds, and 3 - identifying differences in biomarker concentrations in early lactation.