Culling Dairy Cows

Abstract

Culling decisions present a serious challenge, both for the dairyman and for the veterinarian who provides service to the farm. Culled cows represent a substantial expense to the producer. The cost of rearing youngstock averages approximately 20 percent of the overall operating expenses of a dairy. Rearing excess heifers to replace cows unavoidably lost from production addes a significant burden to the financial load borne by the dairyman.