Cull cows often represent an overlooked source of income for cow–calf operations. Across North America, sales of market cows usually account for 15 to 25 percent of herd revenue. Their value depends on body condition, feed efficiency, and market timing. Knowing when to add weight—and when not to—can help producers capture extra profit.
Condition Drives Market Value
Market cows are scored on a body condition scale (BCS) from 1 to 9. A score of 1 means extremely thin, while 9 means over-fat. Research from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Beef Extension and Alberta Agriculture and Irrigationshows cows with a BCS of 5 to 6 deliver the best balance between carcass yield and feed efficiency.
Thin cows with a BCS of 2 to 4 are often discounted due to lower dressing percentages and reduced carcass quality. Cows in moderate condition (BCS 5–6) earn higher prices and provide better-quality trim. Once cows move beyond BCS 6, feed efficiency drops and premiums rarely cover the extra cost.
Feeding for Gain and Efficiency
Thin cows respond well to short-term feeding programs. On a moderate- or high-energy ration, daily gains of 2 to 3 pounds are realistic. Feed conversion typically ranges from 8 to 12 pounds of dry matter per pound of gain, depending on feed type, condition, and weather.
Efficiency declines as cows approach BCS 6. Most research and field data suggest limiting the feeding period to 30 to 90 days. Cows kept dry and sheltered from wind and mud tend to eat more consistently and gain faster.
Balancing Cost of Gain and Market Spread
Profitability depends on whether the added value outweighs the cost of gain. Calculate the cost per pound of gain, and compare it to expected price differences between body condition scores. Feed, yardage, and labour costs vary by operation, so doing the math matters.
Market timing plays a big role. Cull cow prices often drop in late fall when many herds market culls after weaning. Prices usually recover through winter and early spring as supply tightens. Feeding thin cows for 60 to 90 days post-weaning can position them for stronger winter markets—if feed and yardage costs stay manageable.
Practical Considerations on Farm
Before starting a feeding program, review your resources and facilities. Cows need dry footing, shelter from wind, and space to move comfortably. Consider labour demands, equipment wear, and non-feed costs like bedding and water.
Health and age are major factors. Younger, healthy cows gain efficiently and adapt to feed changes quickly. Older cows—especially those over eight years old—tend to lose efficiency and may be better marketed immediately. For herds purchasing outside cows to feed, maintain strict biosecurity through isolation and testing.
Feeding Beyond Condition 6: Diminishing Returns
Adding weight past BCS 6 rarely pays. Feed efficiency falls, and cows consume more for smaller price gains. Research shows cows pushed to BCS 7 or higher often cost more to feed than the market will return. In high feed-cost years, that gap widens quickly.
From Strategy to Results
Feeding cull cows can add value—but not in every situation. The key is to balance condition, cost, and market opportunity. For most herds, bringing thin cows up to BCS 5–6 provides the best return on feed and time.
With cow numbers at historic lows and steady beef demand, every marketing decision counts. Strategic feeding, realistic timelines, and close monitoring can turn cull cows from an afterthought into a reliable profit source.
Information for this article was compiled from open-source data provided by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Beef Extension, Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, and the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service.
