How farm management influences the longevity of dairy cows: a comparative study of Swiss dairy farms

Summary

Increasing the productive lifespan of dairy cows is an important means to lowering the environmental impact of dairy production. Farm characteristics, such as location, production type and breed are fix characteristics for most farms. However, farm management strategies can influence the longevity of their dairy herds in the medium- and short term. Within the framework of the research project ‘Longevity of Swiss Dairy Cows’ (Nutzungsdauer Schweizer Milchkühe), we aimed at identifying management choices that affect the productive lifespan of dairy cows. Based on data from the Swiss census and the major breeding organizations, we built a database of 142 farms. We defined 15 farm types that best represent the diversity of Swiss dairy production with regard to geographic regions, production zone, breed and production type (organic vs conventional). We allocated 10 dairy farms per farm type. Five of the 10 farms were chosen for having a low average productive lifespan (APL) of their dairy herd. The other five farms were chosen for having a high APL. APL was defined as the average lactation number of all cows culled 5 years in retrospective. From the initial 142 farms, 68 farms participated in a survey to assess the differences in management practices. From these participating farms, 30 were further clustered into matched pairs and were visited on-farm. Farms with low APL did not differ from those with high APL regarding their milk production and average dairy herd size. However, they significantly differed with regard to their APL, thus confirming a successful selection strategy of matched pairs. On average, dairy cows from farms with low APL were culled 2 lactations earlier than cows from farms with comparable characteristics, but with a high APL. Compared to farms with low ALP, farms with high APL were characterized by a higher percentage of loose housing systems, a higher percentage of energy rich feed rations, better fertility and more animals being inseminated with meat breeds. No statistical differences were found in relation to antibiotic treatment incidences and other health parameters.