Systemic enablers and barriers to extending the productive life of Swiss dairy cows

Summary

The economically and environmentally optimum length of productive life of European dairy cows, which is commonly described in terms of the number of completed lactations or productive life days (milking days) before a cow is replaced, is between six and seven lactations. However, the current average length in Switzerland, and many other countries, is approximately half that figure, which is both inefficient and ethically questionable. The aim of this study is to investigate systemic barriers to, and enablers for, the extension of the length of productive life of dairy cows in Switzerland. Data were collected by means of 29 qualitative expert interviews. Interviewed experts were selected by purposive sampling to cover a broad range of different stakeholder groups within the Swiss dairy farming system. The analysis of the interviews was done by classifying statements to inductive codes based on their content. The results show that breeder associations encourage extended service life by advertising that longer life increases milk yield per day of life. Information on the benefits of extended service life is readily available, but is not a focus of farmer education so farmers are not motivated to use the available calculation tools. Milk prices are low, so farmers try to maximise production while minimising costs so make breeding decisions based on production rather than robustness. Swiss vets are highly educated and familiar with herd management so could potentially motivate a change in the mindset of dairy farmers. However, vets are expensive so few farmers seek advice from veterinarians on herd management.
In conclusion, the existing system is so deeply entrenched that no actors feel they can bring about comprehensive change on their own. Any actor who could initiate change in their part of the system fears that they would then no longer be in harmony with the rest of the system. Therefore, they are committed to behaviours that they know are not optimal and overcoming these lock-ins can only take place slowly. Collaborative reflection at industry level, led by breeder’s associations, vets, and advisors, and the further development of the existing decision support tools, may lead to optimisation of the system, and to a longer productive life of dairy cows.