The list of traits that make a good commercial cow may vary some by producer. However, there are several fundamental things every producer should keep in mind when evaluating commercial cows.
Raising a calf every year should be at the top of everyone’s list. Profitable commercial cows need to breed back within about 80 days after calving, have a calf easily and unassisted, and then raise that calf until it is ready to wean around 6 to 8 months old.
In addition to raising a calf every year, cows need to be problem-free and stay in the herd for a long time. Cows must also fit their environment and be able to stay in appropriate body condition with limited energy and protein supplementation.
Problem-free cows are cows that do not require extra attention and do not need to be culled early. Common reasons cows are culled early include issues with feet, udders and disposition.
Poor foot structure, especially claw shape, is a significant problem in the cattle industry. Poor foot structure leads to lameness, which reduces a cow's desire to get out and graze. Additionally, foot issues are a welfare concern and can lead to increased infections. Having to trim feet on cows is not a good production strategy.
Udders with big teats or that hang really low to the ground can make it hard or impossible for calves to nurse. Losing a calf because it can’t easily nurse is very costly. Having to milk the cow or bottle feed the calf are time-consuming and not practical in many production environments.
Disposition is not only a convenience trait; it also has economic implications. Wild cows are more likely to injure themselves, injure a person or damage equipment. Additionally, wild cows and calves from wild cows are likely to shrink more when sold, resulting in less income.
Problem-free cows don’t have to raise the biggest calf. Selecting for increased weaning weights almost always results in also selecting for bigger cows. From a grazing standpoint, an operation can sustain more 1,200-pound cows than it can 1,400-pound cows. From a profitability standpoint, it is better to sell more 480-pound calves than fewer 560-pound calves (assumes cows wean 40% of their mature bodyweight).
Problem-free cows that produce a consistent calf every year are the cows that pay the bills in commercial operations.
