Cull cow weight and cull cow price have long been top factors in herd profitability. Making the decision to remove a cow from the herd is not always an easy one. Determining when the cow leaves and how is equally important. Contrary to what many believe, dairy cattle contribute much more to the beef industry than just ground beef.
Changing the vocabulary from cull cow to market cow is a way to focus on what kind of animals are leaving the dairy.” Aerica Bjurstrom
Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, January 5, 2022. Link. Holding a cow on the farm to recover from a condition is an important management and well-being decision. In addition, cows that appear healthy and in good condition typically bring better prices at market.
INSIGHTS: Bjurstrom includes a chart explaining 12 factors that determine a cow’s fitness to be transported. It is a good reference tool to use with producers during farm calls or in newsletters.