What are dairy cows used for once they stop producing milk?

Once dairy cows stop producing milk, they can be utilized in several ways:

Beef Production: Many retired dairy cows are processed for beef. While dairy breeds may not be as muscular as beef breeds, they still provide valuable meat.

Companion Animals: Some farmers keep retired dairy cows as companion animals, allowing them to live out their lives on the farm or in sanctuaries.

Breeding: If they have desirable genetics, some cows may be kept for breeding, either for producing calves or for improving herd genetics.

Manure Production: Even after they stop producing milk, cows continue to produce manure, which can be used as a natural fertilizer for crops.

Educational Purposes: Retired dairy cows can also be used in educational programs to teach about farming practices and animal care.