Choosing the right animal for your farm is a big decision to make, and one that can have a lasting impact on your operation’s success. Whether you are expanding your herd, replacing livestock, or just starting out, it’s important to look beyond first impressions. Is the animal healthy? Will it meet your goals and serve its intended purpose? Could there be hidden issues that lead to expensive problems in the future? Taking the time to evaluate animals can save money, reduce risk, and ensure that your herd remains productive and healthy.
Is it Healthy?
The biggest risk of purchasing livestock is introducing diseases to your farm. Even animals that appear healthy can carry contagious illnesses that may spread throughout your herd. This can result in costly veterinary expenses, production losses, and significant stress for both animals and producers
Health Checklist
Body Condition Score (BCS)
- The animal should not be excessively thin or overweight.
- A good body condition score indicates good nutrition and overall health.
Hooves and Feet
- Hooves should be a proper shape without cracks.
- Poor hoof health can lead to lameness and reduced productivity
Eyes and Nose
- Eyes should be bright and clear.
- There shouldn’t be any excessive discharge from the eyes or nose.
Respiratory Rate
- Watch for normal breathing patterns.
- Labored breathing, coughing, or wheezing may indicate respiratory illness.
Fecal Conditions
- Loose stool may indicate stress, dietary issues, or disease.
Coat or Hair Conditions
- Excessive shedding or bald patches may indicate health problems.
Health Records
- Request vaccination, deworming, and treatment records whenever possible.
Will it Serve its Purpose?
There are many reasons for purchasing animals. It is important to keep your reason in mind when assessing possible animals. The qualities that make a good breeding animal are often different from those desired in animals raised for meat, milk production, fiber, work, or show.
Production Goals
Meat Production
- Animals with strong growth potential and desirable muscling.
- Pick a breed that is known for efficient weight gain and feed conversion.
Dairy Production
- Pick a breed known for milk production and sound udder structure.
- Take a look at milk quality and production records when available.
Breeding Stock
- Take a look at reproductive history, genetics, structural correctness, expected progeny difference (EPD). EPDs are genetic predictions on how an animals future offspring will perform compared to others.
- Look for animals with traits that can improve future generations.
Show Animals
- Consider breed standards, conformation, and presentation potential.
Another important thing to look at is the animal’s temperament. Calm animals are usually safer to handle and manage than aggressive ones.
Will There be Problems in the Future?
It is important to pick structurally sound animals. Structurally sound livestock refers to animals with correct hoof shape, skeletal alignment, and their joints that are flexible and not stiff. Bad hoof shape and stiff joints are more likely to cause problems in the future that can be costly. Animals with poor structure may be more likely to experience lameness, joint problems, reduced reproductive performance, and lower productivity.
A successful purchase involves evaluating health genetics, temperament, structural soundness, and suitability for your operation. Taking time to assess each animal carefully and asking the right questions can help reduce risk, protect your herd, and make an investment that benefits your farm for years to come.
Resources
Penn State Extension – Examples of Cows at Various Body Condition Scores
American Angus Association – Foot Score Guidelines PDF
Assessing Faecal Consistency Score for Sheep and Goats
The University of Queensland – Score Sheet for the assessment of wellbeing in cattle PDF
Michigan State University Extension – Building Structurally Correct Animal Models PDF