Skip to main content

5 Jan 2024 - NTM Unlocked #20

Breed for long-lasting cows

Longevity is a crucial trait for sustainable and profitable dairy production. With long-lasting cows that maintain good production levels, you guarantee better economic prospects and can face the future with confidence.

The longevity index describes a bull’s daughter’s genetic potential for a long, productive life. The index is calculated as days in production, and index calculations are based on data from the first calving to the end of the third lactation. 

Nordic breeding values are renowned due to their reliability. Over 90% of commercial dairy herds in Finland, Sweden and Denmark contribute to milk recording databases. 

VikingRed cow

Longevity = better profitability

Longevity is strongly correlated with fertility and health traits. A healthy cow will last long in the herd and will maintain good production levels. Healthy cow = long productive lifetime!

 But what does better Longevity mean in practice? What difference can a bull with top breeding values for longevity make?

The daughter of a Holstein bull with EBV 120 will stay in the herd 112 days longer and produce more over her lifetime than the average Scandinavian Holstein cow. 

In short, longevity means better profitability.

Use VikingGenetics sires to breed long-lasting, trouble-free and robust cows. 

 

Find the best bulls for your herd
Longevity index NTM

Get our Innovative Breeding Newsletter

Unlock the secrets of NTM and its traits Learn more