Deciding which cows to cull is a challenging task for most producers. Sometimes, their personal feelings about that particular animal get in the way. Sometimes, they don’t even know which ones are under-performing and which ones need to be kept.
Given the current conditions, which have persisted for the last year or so, the need for culling has become even more pronounced. With limited forages and the looming threat of tight hay supplies this winter, culling is beneficial and necessary for effective herd management.
It’s crucial to remember that culling an animal doesn’t diminish its value. In fact, cull cows significantly contribute to the gross income of any commercial cow operation, accounting for about 20%. Here are some clear guidelines to follow to ensure you’re maximizing the return from your culled animals, reinforcing the financial benefits of culling.
