Animal Health & Husbandry
1 December, 2025
Omega-3 fats in diet could improve cow longevity
OMEGA-3 fats in diet could improve cow longevity according to Dairy UP researcher, David Sheedy.
New research shows that fats, especially omega-3, are critical to cow aging and survival, opening opportunities to optimise cow longevity through nutrition.
Dairy UP researcher David Sheedy presented his findings from his PhD studies at the 2025 Dairy Research Foundation Symposium, held at Wollongong on November 26 and 27.
“With each additional lactation, the likelihood of reproductive and health problems increases,” Mr Sheedy said.
“Under current management systems, farmers try to avoid these issues by selling cows at a younger age than may otherwise be optimal.
“If we can reduce the metabolic issues that occur with increasing age, producers could run herds that are more flexible, resilient and profitable.”
Mr Sheedy’s research found that 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 that 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,” Mr Sheedy said.
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.
For more information head to www.dairyup.com.au