08/31/2026
Conversation:
I’ve had some good conversations lately regarding below-average udder and foot quality on otherwise productive cows.
We’ve all had those cows that are fertile, wean big calves, don’t cause any trouble, and stay in the herd for a long time. BUT they have less than ideal udder suspension, maybe a swollen teat, or “too much” curl in their claw.
Do you cull regardless? If she breeds and raises a good calf do you even care?
What’s your philosophy? Cull it out? Breed it out? Find a balance?
Obviously the goal is working towards perfection, but I haven’t seen a herd yet where there’s not a set of udders or feet that need fixing.
Would appreciate your thoughts?
Pic is of a recip of mine D R Kindness Princess B002 (17978492), a 13 year old Pathfinder cow that bred-back with an embryo and is due to calve this fall. Although not obvious in the pic, she has less than ideal udder suspension, and teats that are larger than ideal.
