The hidden biological cost of high milk production in dairy cattle

Over the past few decades, dairy farming has changed quite a lot. With better breeding programs, improved feeding practices and more organized herd management, the milk producing ability of dairy cows has increased a lot. Animals that earlier produced only moderate amounts of milk are now capable of yielding much higher quantities during a single lactation. For dairy farmers this progress has clear benefits. Greater milk yield generally means better income and improved efficiency in managing the dairy enterprise.