Dairy cows produce more milk for heifers than for baby bulls, according to new research from Kansas State University and Harvard University.
Researchers studied lactation records for more than one million dairy cattle across the country.
Their findings contradicted evolutionary biology theories that predicted bias was in favor of sons. The cows actually produced more milk for their female offspring.
“Daughters seemed to have the most dramatic effect on the initial development of the mammary gland because the bias against sons was greatest in the first lactation,” said K-State Department of Animal Sciences and Industry associate professor Barry Bradford.
The study also found that the sex of the first baby might determine the amount of milk produced for the following children.
The results were available in the scientific journal PLOS One.
Farm Bureau Economist Dr. Faith Parum warns farmers to brace for more losses as the war in Iran sends shockwaves through the ag economy and raises input costs even further.
April 02, 2026 01:31 PM
·
Margin pressure and competitiveness concerns are shaping cautious outlooks.
April 02, 2026 12:40 PM
·
More than 15 million birds were affected by bird flu, but fewer outbreaks are helping bring egg prices down
April 02, 2026 11:50 AM
·
Widespread drought and extreme weather leave producers managing limited resources
April 02, 2026 11:19 AM
·
Rising fertilizer costs tied to tariffs are tightening margins for U.S. wheat growers, according to new data from the National Association of Wheat Growers.
April 02, 2026 10:54 AM
·
Shaun Haney, host of RealAg Radio, outlines potential risks for agriculture as negotiations continue between the two countries
April 01, 2026 03:15 PM
·
