Cow Buying Guidelines Can Help Dairy Farmers

MADISON - Whether you are a beginning dairy farmer or a veteran looking to expand, you can avoid financial loss by taking practical precautions when you buy new cows.

22 November 2007

1 minute read

North America

"A bad purchase can be economically devastating," said Paul Dietmann, director of the Farm and Rural Services Bureau. "You can avoid a lot of headaches with a few simple tests, safeguards and procedures."

Guidelines for buying new dairy cows include:

Buy cattle from a single producer rather than multiple sources.
Request vaccination records and health history for each animal you plan to purchase.
Reserve the right to reject animals with questionable health, mobility or disposition.
Buy animals sired by and bred to AI bulls.
Look for cattle that are managed in a way similar to the way you plan to manage your cattle.
Make sure the seller has clear title.
Visually inspect each animal for signs of disease such as ringworm and pinkeye.
Review bulk tank culture records for the previous six months and note somatic cell count and other milk quality indicators.
Purchase cattle from herds enrolled in the Johne's disease test-negative program.
After purchase, isolate new animals from the rest of the herd for three weeks.
Test the milk of the new animals before you blend with the herd.
Talk to your veterinarian for additional recommendations, including tests and vaccinations.