Approximately one third of all lactating dairy cattle are culled from the herd each year. Animals may be culled due to low milk production, infertility, disease, temperament, lameness, or injury. Most culled animals are destined for slaughter, but some are purchased at auctions and relocated to other farms. Animals that die on the farm are transported to a rendering facility. Some local ordinances require that carcasses destined for rendering be at least 100 feet from the roadside while awaiting pick-up.
Transportation is inherently stressful.
Regardless of whether culled animals are sold for meat or dairy purposes, every effort should be taken to minimize stress during handling and transportation. Efforts to reduce handling and transport time will reduce stress. Rough handling and animal abuse during transportation are not acceptable. Interim holding facilities, such as sale yards, should provide adequate feed, water, and shelter for the animals. Any animals destined for slaughter, that were recently medicated, must conform to the legal meat and milk withdrawal times specified on the product label or by the veterinarian's prescription.