Eventually, even the best of cows will need to be removed from the herd. Open females should obviously be culled. However, some cows continue to breed in spite of excessive age, poor udder quality, bad eyes, structure problems or a combination of factors. At preg check or weaning, it is wise to closely evaluate each cow for fitness for the coming year. The rigors of the upcoming winter, along with any additional nutritional stresses such as calving and nursing, should be considered.
Cows that are “showing age” are typically not maintaining appropriate body condition. Of course, some may be 10 years of age, and others may be 15. We tend to stretch cattle age when they continue to breed. Older cows that aren’t maintaining appropriate body condition pose an increased risk for not getting up after calving or not producing sufficient nutrients for their offspring. Nutritional priority goes to the cow’s maintenance needs first. Priority then goes to lactation, fetal growth, breeding and body reserve, in that order.
Noticeably thin cows among their herdmates are struggling to keep up. If they go into the winter at a disadvantage, they will likely struggle more as the winter progresses. These cows need to be culled before they pose management issues. This saves time and money. The salvage value, although not always great, is better than nothing. That $600, for example, is better than zero dollars. When she isn’t able to make it through the marketing chain, aka non-ambulatory, she cannot be marketed. Not only is this an economic issue but, just as importantly, it is a welfare or potentially a public perception issue.
Thin cows may also have mouth, structure or foot issues. These types of defects tend to go unnoticed until the situation becomes problematic. Cows with foot issues may not always be noticeable in a pasture setting. Limping or a slow gait are some observable signs. Observing cows in the chute or working pen for screw claw, scissor toe or any other foot quality issue enhances timely culling and marketing. More noticeably, cows may have failing joints or arthritis. Timely culling is best for the cow, your time and your money. It’s Beef Quality Assurance. 
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Jason Duggin
- Beef Extension Specialist
- University of Georgia
- Email Jason Duggin
