Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026

An Efficient Single—Person Technique for Milk Sampling from Laboratory Mice
Published on: March 28, 2025
Does milk yield reflect the level of welfare in dairy herds?
Maud Coignard1, Raphaël Guatteo1, Isabelle Veissier2
1INRA, UMR 1300, Biology, Epidemiology and Risk Analysis in Animal Health, CS 40706, F-44307 Nantes, France; LUNAM Université, Oniris, Nantes-Atlantic College of Veterinary Medicine, Food Sciences and Engineering, UMR BioEpAR, F-44307 Nantes, France.
Abstract:
Under the assumption that milk yield may be reduced in herds with impaired welfare, the present study aimed at investigating whether milk yield could be used as a reliable indicator of welfare. In 125 commercial French dairy herds, the association between the welfare of the herd (evaluated using the Welfare Quality assessment protocol) and cow milk yield was investigated using linear mixed models. Positive associations were identified between milk yield and low aggressions between cows and good emotional state of the herd but there was a negative association with good health assessed through the occurrence of diseases and injuries. These opposite associations resulted in no association with the overall welfare of the herd. Milk yield should not therefore be used as an indicator of overall welfare.
Related Concept Videos
Tonicity in Animals
Tonicity in Animals
Microbes in Food Production

