How long do cows live on average?

Cows are one of the oldest domestic animals. For thousands of years people have been using cows for their milk and meat. Unfortunately many cows are slaughtered before they can die of old age. However when cows are kept as a hobby, and not slaughtered, cows have an average lifespan of 15 years.

 

 

What is the average lifespan of cows in the UK?

Since many cows are slaughtered in the UK when they stop producing enough milk, their average lifespan is only about 5 or 6 years. In countries where cows are held solely for their milk consumption the average lifespan is 2 or 3 years. 

How old was the oldest cow ever? 

There are plenty of cows in the UK that reach the age of 20. The oldest cow in the UK came from Ireland and reached the age of 48 years and nine months. Her name was Big Bertha and she lived from 1945 until 1993. Besides the record for oldest cow ever, she also holds the record for lifetime breeding; she gave birth to no less than 39 calves!


See besides average lifespan of a cow also:
Average Lifespan of a Cat
Average Lifespan of a Horse
Average Lifespan of a Rabbit
Average Lifespan of a Goat