The dataset contains production, reproduction and health data from high yielding cows (Holstein and Montbeliarde) reared in either a Very-Low-Input system (no concentrates except for veal calves) or a Low-Input system (less concentrates and mineral fertilisers than conventional systems while safeguarding milk production and nitrogen balance of the land) with a short mating season in spring to align the milk and the grass production curves (24 cows/system for 5 years). Reproductive management included artificial insemination, the use of a bull at the end of the mating season, the use of sexed semen for heifers, and extended lactations for some non-pregnant cows. The dataset provides references for the production and the sustainability of such low input dairy systems.