A review of the genetic and non-genetic factors affecting extended lactation in pasture-based dairy systems

Abstract

Milk production per cow has significantly increased over the last 50 years due to the strong genetic selection for increased milk production; associated with this increased production has been a decline in reproductive performance. As a result, superior-yielding cows that have failed to get into calf in a traditional 12-month calving system may be carried over and milked continuously for another 6 months instead of being culled. Studies indicate that cows are able to achieve lactations greater than 305 days and up to 670 days under pasture-based systems, with and without the use of supplementary feeds. Extended lactations of 16 months are most common and economically viable in Australian dairy systems. These findings indicate a potential role for extended lactation in countries such as Australia, where pasture-based dairy systems in which Holstein-Friesian dairy cows predominate. However, variation between cows in their milk yield profiles and the ability of cows to reach a planned dry-off date over an extended lactation occurs depending on the cow’s genetic strain, nutrition and environmental interactions, with certain strains of cow being better suited to extended lactation than others. The focus of this review is to examine the scope for genetic improvement as well as important considerations (non-genetic factors) when selecting suitable animals for extended lactation in pasture-based dairy systems, with an emphasis on Australian systems. These considerations include the impacts of cow strain, nutrition, milk production, and biological and economical costs associated with extended lactation. Methods for modelling extended lactation and estimating genetic parameters of lactation persistency, milk yield and component traits under extended lactation will be addressed and future directions for further research suggested.