REVIEW OF DAIRY COWS LONGEVITY AND INFLUENCING FACTORS

Abstract

Dairy farming is considered to be one of the most significant livestock activities on both globally and nationally. Despite the field's overwhelming importance, we face a growing problem: animal longevity. The concept of "longevity" in the context of dairy cows encompasses not only the duration of their lives, but also the extent of their productivity. The purpose of this paper is to emphasise the importance of keeping animals on the farm for as long as possible. At the same time, the paper will highlight the factors that lead to a reduction of longevity. A substantial number of papers have been analysed in order to achieve the proposed goals, to highlight the common influencing factors, but also to observe the dynamics of longevity over time. The main factors contributing to reduced longevity are: feet/claw disorders, udder disorders, metabolic and digestive disorders, fertility problems, trauma and accident, respiratory and infectious diseases, dystocia. Therefore, analysis of the influencing factors, and more specifically how to control them, is recommended for farmers to enable informed decision-making with regard to the longevity of dairy cows.