How to Identify High-Quality Dairy Cows

2020-03-16

Selecting high-quality dairy cows is crucial for running a profitable dairy farm. Failure in proper selection will not only make the farm unprofitable but may also lead to capital loss. Therefore, before purchasing a cow, one must select one with good milk production characteristics, as milk production capacity varies among cows. Even with balanced feed, improved housing, proper care, and modern scientific management, desired milk production won't be possible if cow selection is wrong. Today, I'll try to educate farmers about some signs or characteristics of good dairy cows.

Physical Structure: The body should be large with a loose belly, relaxed legs, broad forehead and small head - characteristics of a good dairy cow. High-quality cows have thin, soft and loose skin with a glossy appearance. The chest should be deep and wide. There should be sufficient space between front and rear legs, with hind legs being larger than front legs. The mouth and nostrils should be wide. Eyes should always be bright. The body shouldn't be too fatty. Dairy cows typically don't have unnecessary muscles.

Wedge-shaped Body: The rear part should be wider than the front, giving high-yielding cows a wedge-shaped appearance from behind. Wide hips and sufficient space between hind legs are key characteristics. Ample space between hind legs allows room for larger udders.

Udder: Good cows have large, wide, fat-free udders with balanced quarters. The udder extends equally front and back, with a full and wide rear part. Viewed from the side, the udder bottom appears flat. Dairy cow udders feel sponge-like and soft, appearing large before milking and shrinking afterward. Overly fleshy or fatty udders aren't good as they have less milk storage capacity.

Teats: Additionally, high-quality cows have teats of nearly equal size and evenly spaced. Teat shape should be suitable for milking.

Milk Veins: Excellent dairy cows have clearly visible branched milk veins under the belly connecting to the udder.

Temperament: Dairy cows are calm, gentle and motherly. High-yielding cows are typically timid, don't get restless during milking, and move slowly.

Age: Normally a cow produces calves and milk for about 10 years, so knowing the age is essential. Also, risks associated with first calving are reduced after the first delivery.

Milk Production: Generally, cows with sufficient milk production are considered best. However, some cows produce more but thinner milk with low fat content. So judging quality requires checking milk fat content. Normal fat milk is thick and slightly yellowish.

Tail: Tail can also indicate quality. Good cows always have long tails with large tufts at the end.

Lineage: Milk production traits can also be verified through lineage history. As the saying goes, "Like mother, like daughter." Knowing the milk production capacity of a cow's mother and grandmother makes selection and evaluation easier.

For a profitable dairy farm, selecting high-quality cows is most important. Consult experienced farmers when needed. Though this requires considerable patience and effort, doing it properly will prevent losses and help achieve your desired goals, Insha Allah.