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.
While row crops are expected to see softer impacts, analysts say severe weather of this magnitude will not be as kind to cattle producers.
January 22, 2026 11:05 AM
·
Dairy farmer and Discover Ag co-host Tara Vander Dussen joined us to discuss the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, her experience at the signing, and what’s next for her family and farm.
January 21, 2026 12:42 PM
·
Analysts say a Supreme Court decision on tariffs could reshape protein markets, strain U.S.-China trade, and force farmers to rethink global demand strategies.
January 21, 2026 12:03 PM
·
Wayne Cockrell with the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association joined us to discuss preparedness, producer awareness, and the industry’s response to New World screwworm concerns.
January 21, 2026 12:00 PM
·
Corn and wheat exports remain a demand bright spot, while soybeans are transitioning into a more typical late-winter shipping slowdown.
January 21, 2026 10:36 AM
·
Alan Bjerga with the National Milk Producers Federation joined us to review new policies and regulations supporting the dairy industry and what they mean for the year ahead.
January 20, 2026 03:25 PM
·
