Pros and cons of extended lactation in dairy cattle

The cow reaches her peak milk production approximately 3-6 weeks after parturition, and then a gradual decline in the yield takes place. A lactation period of 305 days is standard. Still, as the demand for milk and other dairy products continues to rise, many farmers are looking for ways to increase production and profitability. One strategy that has been gaining popularity in recent years is extended lactation, which has its pros and cons. Dairy Global sat down with Eline Burgers, PhD, from