In the UK, genetic features of cows have been identified that dairy farmers should focus on if they want to increase the daily production of their flock's milk.

Research by the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Council (AHDB) showed that the genetic indices that have the greatest impact on average daily milk yield are £ PLI (Profitable Life Expectancy Index), followed by fat (kg), life expectancy and protein (kg).

Other important features include fertility, milk production, and health indicators such as mastitis, lameness, and somatic cell count (SCC).

Marco Winters, head of the department of animal genetics, said: “According to the study, the life expectancy of cows has grown very much, which is not surprising, since we are looking for animals that will live longer and give milk, so life expectancy is really important for farmers seeking to improve the genetics of their herd .

But the cow’s health traits are undoubtedly also very important, because healthy animals are more likely to remain in the milking herd and produce high milk yields. ”