Publication Extending the cow's life span as a climate strategy

Extending the life span of dairy cattle is good for the farmer and the climate. After all, cows that stay on the dairy farm longer yield the best results in terms of milk production and efficiency. The same amount of milk with fewer animals also means lower methane emissions per liter of milk. This also benefits the environment. To make Flemish dairy farmers aware of the benefits of extending the life span of their animals, Inagro, ILVO and Hooibeekhoeve are joining forces.

Lower methane emissions per liter of milk

In learning networks, livestock farmers can learn about young livestock and dry stock management. In April 2017 began the demonstration project on sustainable agriculture called "Targeted extension of dairy cattle lifespan (good for farmer and climate)". In this project, Inagro, ILVO and Hooibeekhoeve want to make Flemish dairy farmers aware of the advantages of a longer life span of their cattle. To this end, the research partners focus on improving the management of young cattle and dry cows. In this way, dairy farmers can realize their milk production with fewer animals. This means profit in terms of roughage, manure disposal and labor. In addition, it results in lower methane emissions per liter of milk, a benefit for the environment and our climate.