“With each additional lactation, the likelihood of reproductive and health problems increases,” David says.
“Under current management systems, farmers try to avoid these issues by selling cows at a younger age than may otherwise be optimal,” he says.
“If we can reduce the metabolic issues occuring with increasing age, producers could run herds which are more flexible, resilient and profitable.
“We found omega-3 fatty acid metabolism may have a role in improving reproduction and health outcomes in older cattle, ultimately increasing longevity.”
David’s research investigated metabolic and fat markers associated with longevity in dairy cows and took about 2000 blood samples from 29 Australian dairy herds.
The study found blood levels of omega-3 fats declined substantially with increased age.
“If we can boost omega-3 levels through supplementation and meaningfully improve survival, the potential gains for herd longevity are substantial,” David explains.
Following these findings, the DairyUP team is now exploring omega-3 supplementation strategies, potentially through marine-sourced products high in omega-3 fatty acids, to test the long-term impacts on cattle health, reproduction and survival under Australian conditions.
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