The aim of this project is to develop and test decision support tools to identify multiparous cows that benefit from an extended lactation length.
Furthermore, the goal is to use these tools to adapt the lactation length according to the conditions of individual cows and thereby improve the performance on herd level.
Traditionally the optimal length of the lactation interval has been considered to be 365 days. However, these recommendations are based on outdated information and does not take into account the individual variation. Our study is conducted in large, high yielding dairy herds enrolled to the Swedish cow data base. Their production, fertility and health traits and feed efficiency are monitored. The expected benefits of extended lactations for selected cows include improved fertility and less health problems, increased longevity and higher milk production on herd level. Lower methane emissions and improved feed efficiency.
Kjell Holtenius, kjell.holtenius@slu.se
Kjell Holtenius (SLU, Husdjurens utfodring och vård), Licentiand Annica Hansson (Växa Sverige), Sara Lundberg (Växa Sverige), Renée Båge (SLU, Kliniska vetenskaper & Växa Sverige) och Cecilia Kronqvist (SLU, Husdjurens utfodring och vård).