Don't underestimate the contribution of the "energy to grow the cow". Dairy cows don't start producing until they're 2 years old and are typically only kept aro

Don't underestimate the contribution of the "energy to grow the cow". Dairy cows don't start producing until they're 2 years old and are typically only kept around until age 5 or 6. That's a full third (or more) of their lives with no output whatsoever.