Cull Cow Feeding Makes Dollars and Sense

Table of Contents

1. Seasonal Price Variations
2. Body Weight Gain Potential of Cows

When is the best time to sell cull cows? Most beef producers will ship the cows right after pregnancy checking, once they know who is open. However, seasonal price fluctuations and the compensatory gain potential of dry cows, may offer alternative marketing strategies.

Figure 1: Average U.S. Cull Cow Prices Source: USDA/AMS, 1991-2001.

Figure 2: Ontario Cull Cow Prices.

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Seasonal Price Variations

Both the U.S. and Ontario graphs show that the lowest price generally occurs during the October, November, December period. The U.S. data suggests that historically, by holding those cows from a fall weaning period and marketing the cows in early winter, farmers would increase their price per pound (lb.) by 14%. In 2001, Ontario producers would have received an 18% increase in price per lb. An example would be a 1500 lb. cow sold in November for 55 cents per lb., which would have grossed $825.00. The same cow sold in February would have traded for 65 cents per lb. grossing $975.00. The question remains would that extra $150 have covered the cost of keeping the cow the two months. Obviously it depends on your feed and yardage costs.

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Body Weight Gain Potential of Cows

The other interesting thing about keeping those cows for an additional 60 days is that research has shown that these cows may have tremendous compensatory gain potential. Most cows have been under the nutritional stress of providing milk for their calf, and tend to get thin by weaning time. At this stage, the cows digestive system is primed to operate at peak efficiency … if we provide some nutrients, the cow will absorb and utilize them in a very efficient manner. This is gain that compensates for the previous deficit of nutrients. At the New Liskeard Agricultural Research Station, dry cows in average condition gained over 3.5 lbs. per day for the first 50 days of fall grazing good quality pasture. A trial at New Mexico State University showed dry dairy cows gained 3.1 lbs. per day over 30 days on a TMR of 60% high energy concentrate and 40% quality alfalfa hay.

Part of this body weight gain is in the form of fat. Relative to thin cows, cows with some condition have more value per lb. for processors, so a premium may be available for these cows.

By keeping the cow above from November to February, and feeding her some higher energy feed for 60 days, her 1500 lbs. would change to 1710 lbs. The cull value would then have increased to $1111. This represents an increase of $286. A cull cow eating 3% of her body weight would consume 45 lbs. per day. A diet consisting of 50% energy source (corn) and 50% forage could cost approximately $2 per day. Over 60 days the feed cost increase would be $120, leaving $166 to cover yardage costs.

The peak price time to sell those Ontario cows would traditionally be the May, June, July period. Depending on hay costs, there could be a benefit to holding these cows through and selling them then. However, the compensatory gain efficiency period is roughly between 50 to 60 days. After this, the rate of gain slows dramatically.

Some cows are ready to sell immediately at weaning. However, there may be a benefit with average to thin cows to feeding them for 50 to 60 days. This will provide more lbs. of cow to sell, at potentially higher prices.

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