Should that cow go on the cull truck?

Culling cows from the herd is an important part of dairy operations. While we focus on a dairy cow’s milk production as her primary means of generating revenue, she is also an important contributor to U.S. beef production. In fact, cull cows are likely generating significant revenue for an operation in today’s economy.

Not every cow should be placed on a truck destined for livestock auctions or packing plants. Some cows do not have the necessary body condition or do have conditions that make them unfit for human consumption. Our practice is responsible for walking cull cows prior to a slaughter sale every week.

Occasionally, cows that are not fit for transport to the livestock auction or the slaughter plant arrive, and we must make a new plan for such animals. Typically, these situations are cows that cannot rise without great difficulty or at all or are affected with such severe lameness that it renders the cow 3-legged. While this isn’t common, there is specific guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture on which animals should enter the slaughter plant and, therefore, the food chain.

So, which cows should go on the truck? First, observe all medication withdrawal periods. Ensure that the cow in question has cleared all withdrawals. Pay special attention to animals that were particularly sick and might need additional time to clear drugs from their systems. Also, do not forget about dry cow treatment withdrawals. If a dry cow that received an intramammary dry cow tube aborts, it is important to observe the slaughter withhold time on the label, as these products require longer withdrawals when compared to lactating intramammary tubes.

Second, consider whether the cow is appropriate for human consumption. Just because she can walk on four legs doesn’t mean that she is ideal for human consumption.

There are a few conditions that cause a cow to be condemned on live inspection when she arrives at the packing plant. According to the USDA, inspectors are to condemn the following on live inspection:

— Animals that are dead or dying.

— Animals that show evidence of a disease or condition that would cause condemnation during post-mortem inspection (peritonitis or cancer, such as lymphoma and cancer eye).

— Cattle/sheep/goats having a temperature of 105 degrees or greater, swine having a temperature of 106 degrees or greater.

— Animals in a comatose or semi-comatose condition.

— Non-ambulatory disabled cattle (downers).

— Animals showing clinical signs of central nervous system disorders.

Then, we should consider culling from an animal welfare perspective. Animals that are severely lame or have fractures, large open wounds or unreduced prolapses are inappropriate candidates for culling and transport to livestock auctions or slaughter plants.

I have observed all these cases in cattle destined for slaughter by owners. These animals are likely to have problems during transport, including further injury, becoming non-ambulatory or downers and potentially death. These animals also often incur additional trauma or bruising during transport and end up with additional tissues that must be cut out during processing.

While body condition score is not listed as a reason for being condemned, very thin cows with a body condition score of less than 2 are also not ideal cull cow candidates. Very thin animals may be singled out for further testing at the plant or be condemned.

Also, cows that are actively giving birth are likely to be condemned on live inspection. In fact, the USDA has specific language stating that the cow must finish giving birth and pass the placenta before being slaughtered. If the cow in question was sold because it was not possible to deliver the calf without surgical intervention, then it is unlikely she will ever be able to be slaughtered and will require euthanasia at the plant.

I would urge producers to have a strategic method to capture the full dollar value of these cows and as a commitment to animal welfare. Focus on culling cows before significant body condition is lost or disease advances. This might mean you decide not to initiate treatment if a cow has a repeat case of disease or a disease that often has a poor outcome.

It will also mean that some cows will require on-farm euthanasia in lieu of slaughter. Have a protocol and team in charge of euthanasia when the time comes. Work with your farm team such as the nutritionist, financial advisor and veterinarian to create a culling process that ensures quality animals go to market. 

Megan Weisenbeck is one of six veterinarians at Northern Valley Livestock Services in Plainview, MN. She practices primarily dairy production medicine in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Megan can be reached at meganweisenbeck.dvm@gmail.com.