From Mother to Daughter Transgenerational relations between dairy cow conditions, colostrum, and calf performance

Dairy cows influence not only milk production but also the development of the next generation. This PhD research investigated how the health and condition of dairy cows before and during pregnancy affect their calves’ growth, health, and future performance. It also explored the role of colostrum, the first milk produced after calving, in transferring these effects from mothers to their offspring.

By following dairy cows and their daughters from pregnancy until the daughters started producing milk themselves, this research showed that the environment provided by the mother can have long-lasting effects on the next generation. The findings highlight the importance of caring for dairy cows throughout their lives, including before pregnancy, to support healthier calves and more sustainable dairy farming.