Effect of herd management on annual cow cull rate and performance of Holstein-Friesian dairy cows

Abstract

This study explores the impact of transitioning from a closed confinement system to indoor housing with pasture access on milk production trends and the health of dairy cows. The objective was to assess whether this change, proposed by agricultural manager Johannes EKKEL, would yield the anticipated benefits and to investigate the potential advantages of such husbandry systems. The research was conducted on a modern dairy farm in France with approximately 130 lactating cows, supported of the farmer and a team of specialized advisors.