What is a cull cow?

A cull cow is a female cow that is no longer able to produce enough milk or maintain a healthy body condition, and is therefore considered no longer economically viable for the dairy farmer. The term "cull" refers to the process of removing animals from the herd that are no longer productive or profitable. Cull cows may also be slaughtered for their meat, which is often used in beef products such as ground beef, hamburgers, and steaks. Depending on the age and condition of the cow, she may be sold for a lower price than a younger, more productive cow. It is important for farmers to regularly evaluate their cows and remove any that are no longer productive or healthy in order to maintain a profitable and sustainable dairy operation.