To help producers navigate this complex process, the industry has released the comprehensive guide, “Right Way. Right Time. A guide to cull dairy cattle management.” This vital resource is the result of a collaboration between the National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) program, CattleFax, and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. The document evaluates various factors involved in marketing cull cattle and uses established industry standards to improve management practices and capture greater value.
The handbook provides practical steps and protocols for veterinarians and farmers to address the complex question of “When is the right time for a dairy cow to change careers.” Key topics covered include a mechanism for proper diagnosis, essential treatment protocols, and critical training on issues such as fitness for transport and on-farm euthanasia decisions. It encourages producers to make proactive decisions for early treatment or culling to ensure better outcomes for the animal.
Specific factors for shipping decisions focus intensely on minimizing animal stress and ensuring welfare. Producers must confirm that all animals have cleared withdrawal times prior to shipping. Additionally, the guide advises against transporting cattle with a Body Condition Score (BCS) of 2 or less to reduce bruising and improve yield/payment. It strongly emphasizes that cattle with a Mobility score 3 (on a 5-point scale) or those with full udders—which cause discomfort and are a serious food safety concern since milk is a contaminant—must be heavily scrutinized before being cleared for the journey.