The productive lifespan of average cows is between 2.5 and 4 years in most developed dairy industries.

The lactation period, or the length of time a cow can produce milk before having another calf, is 305 days.

The cost of Jersey cows can be as low as $1,400 to $1,800. As compared to bred cows, heifers are cheaper, they cost around $500 and $1,000. The cost of lactating dairy cows is around $1,500 and $2,100. Bottle-fed, tamed, and hand-raised cows are usually expensive because they are friendly with humans.

Gir cow of Gujarat This cow is known as the most milk-producing cow in the country.

A Holstein Friesian cow Jogan in Karnal has yielded 76.61kg milk in 24 hours, which is the highest milk production by a cross-bred cow, said scientists at the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) here.

India is the world’s largest milk producer, with 22 percent of global production, followed by the United States of America, China, Pakistan and Brazil. Since the 1970s, most of the expansion in milk production has been in South Asia, which is the main driver of milk production growth in the developing world.

This week, Dean Foods, America’s largest dairy producer, filed for bankruptcy. Based in Texas, Dean Foods distributes many brands such as Land O’Lakes, Mayfield Dairy, and Purity Dairies. It’s a massive dairy company that produces the Friendly’s brand of ice cream and distributes in all 50 states.

There are other large dairies in the United States: in California, Idaho and even Wisconsin. The most famous dairy in the country is probably Fair Oaks Farms, halfway between Indianapolis and Chicago, where 36,000 cows are milked across 11 barns.

California

A dairy farmer will typically get paid 75% of what it costs to produce the milk. For example, a gallon of milk that costs you 3 dollars will cost 2 dollars to make, but the farmer will only get paid $1.50.