Episode 371 - Cull Now or Feed Longer? Weighing the Value of Cull Dairy Cows - UMN Extenion's The Moos Room
From The Moos Room™ · 15:52
Show by University of Minnesota Extension
Should you sell a cull dairy cow now or feed her a little longer to improve her market value? In this episode of The Moos Room, Brad explores an economic modeling study examining whether a 60-day feeding program for thin, nonlactating cull cows could improve profitability and animal welfare.Under the modeled conditions, increasing body condition score from 2.0 to 3.0 generated approximately $222 Canadian in additional net returns per cow after accounting for feed, housing, health costs, and mortality risk. Brad discusses why initial body condition, feed costs, and market prices determine whether retaining cows makes financial sense—and why cows already in better condition may offer little opportunity for additional returns.Topics include:Using lactating cow TMR refusals to help control feeding costs.Managing dry-off and transitioning cows to a finishing ration.Selecting physically sound cows without serious health challenges.Accounting for mortality risk and providing adequate housing.Improving body condition and fitness for transportation.The take-home message: Strategic feeding before marketing may add value for selected thin cows, but careful animal selection and farm-specific economics are essential.Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> [email protected] or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!Linkedin -> The Moos RoomTwitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafetyFacebook -> @UMNDairyYouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and HealthInstagram -> @UMNWCROCDairyExtension WebsiteAgriAmerica Podcast Directory
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