Introduction

Dr. Herman presented on Right Way. Right Time.: A Guide to Cull Dairy Cattle Management, which provides practical, research-based guidance to help dairy producers make timely, responsible decisions about cows leaving the herd. The guide emphasizes maintaining cow health throughout her lifetime, identifying when an animal is no longer fit for the milking herd, and ensuring she is fit for transport before leaving the farm. It outlines best practices for evaluating mobility, body condition, injuries, disease, and overall welfare, as well as proper handling, loading, and marketing. The focus is on safeguarding animal well-being, meeting legal and industry requirements, and protecting the economic value of market dairy cattle.

Following Dr. Herman’s presentation, Jake Jacobs, Market Manager at Equity Livestock in Bonduel, WI joined the conversation. Together, they discussed the progress seen in the dairy cull cow market, what needs improvement, and where the industry is headed.

Chapters

1. 00:12 Welcome Dr. Herman Beef Cattle Specialist Veterinarian
2. 01:30 What is the “National Beef Quality Audit”
3. 02:37 Highlights we are seeing on the market cow and bull side
4. 07:31 Mobility Scoring
5. 10:21 Effects of Bruise Severity
6. 13:09 Arthritic joint defects
7. 14:45 Other defects
8. 17:28 Right Way. Right Time guide
9. 18:47 Herd Health Planning
10. 21:39 Minimizing residues
11. 26:23 Transportation
12. 32:42 Industry education
13. 36:23 Questions