Risk factors for reason-specific culling of dairy cows

Abstract

A set of 7763 Holstein lactations from 34 New York herds was used to explore the influences of production and of 13 diseases on culling. Dying was predicted by high milk yield and by downer cow syndrome. The cows most likely to be sold for dairy purposes were those with shorter previous-lactation calving intervals, with lower milk per calving-interval day in the previous lactation, who calved in the summer, or who had clinical mastitis. Lower estimated transmitting ability for milk, lower milk yield per day in the previous calving interval and calving in the summer (but not clinical mastitis) were risk factors for low production. Having > 3 services, aborting and having cystic ovary were associated with culling for poor reproduction. Culling for udder problems was predicted by lower previous-lactation milk per day, higher current milk per day, clinical mastitis and teat problems. Cows with lower estimated transmitting ability, dystocia, or foot or leg problems were at higher risk of culling for feet and legs. Culling for miscellaneous reasons was associated with lower estimated transmitting ability, higher current milk per day and left displaced abomasum.