Extending cow life span in Dutch dairy farming: Farm characteristics, management practices, and behavioral determinants

This study aimed to identify herd management styles and measures adopted by dairy farmers to extend cow life span and to explore the behavioral and farm-specific factors influencing these practices. A mixed-method approach was used, including a survey of 107 dairy farmers, in-depth interviews, and farm visits with 10 farmers selected from the survey, of whom 5 had cows with a relatively low average life span (less than 4 yr and 11 mo on average) and 5 had cows with a relatively high average life span (8 yr or more on average). Surveyed farms were categorized into 3 life span classes (LC) based on the average age at culling: LC_low (<5.5 yr, n = 28), LC_medium (5.5-6.5 yr, n = 36), and LC_high (≥6.5 yr, n = 34). Survey data included herd management styles, beliefs, values, and farm characteristics. Results showed limited differences in general (e.g., quality of drinking water, fertility, claw health) and specific (i.e., retain fewer female calves for replacement, inseminate cows more often before deciding to cull, treat sick cows for a longer period before deciding to cull) measures and in scores for behavioral factors across LC. However, LC_high farms were characterized by fewer cows, fewer youngstock, and lower annual milk yield per cow compared with LC_low farms. The LC_high farmers more frequently provided pasture access for at least 6 h per grazing day compared with LC_medium farmers. Farmers' attitudes and, to a lesser extent, descriptive social norms (referring to the pressure that farmers might feel by the actions of other people important to them) positively influenced their intention to adopt additional measures for extending cow life span. Qualitative interviews highlighted key themes farmers thought contributed to life span, including breeding, housing systems, grazing, and animal focus. The LC_high farmers emphasized they aimed for robust, muscular, and trouble-free cows and a frequent presence in the barn, whereas LC_low farmers mentioned a broad range of focus areas. The results suggest that extending cow life span is influenced more by farmers' attitudes and (to a lesser extent) social norms than by specific farm practices or other behavioral constructs. Encouraging positive attitudes through tailored communication and peer learning activities and addressing barriers to adopting life span measures might be critical for broader implementation.