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In this chapter, the genetic, phenotypic and management aspects of dairy cattle longevity are described. In the US, active national selection for the traits Productive Life (1994), Cow Livability (2016) and Heifer Livability (2020) have greatly increased the genetic capability of heifers and cows to increase their ability to stay in the herd longer and leave alive. Nevertheless, phenotypic trends in these 3 traits have been unfavourable until approximately 2015. This is the result of economic factors that affect cow replacement rates, including cost of raising heifers, market prices of used cows, and voluntary culling to maximise profit per slot per unit of time. The benefits from breeding for improved longevity need to be combined with replacement decisions based on sound economic principles.
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Review of genetic aspects of longevity
- 3 The association of longevity with other economically important traits
- 4 Trends in longevity
- 5 Cow replacement rates
- 6 Risk factors affecting cow replacement rates
- 7 Planning for replacement heifer needs
- 8 Longevity and welfare
- 9 Conclusion and future trends in research
- 10 Where to look for further information
- 11 References