Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Certification Is Associated with Improved Condition, Mobility, Carcass Metrics, and Economics in Cull Dairy Cows

<h2>Abstract</h2> The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certification on relevant traits of cull dairy cows. This study compared body condition scores (BCS), lameness scores, hot carcass weight, and carcass damage of cull dairy cows originating from BQA and non-BQA certified farm operations at the slaughter facility. A blind, observational study was completed to visually score 611 cows from 15 different dairy operations upon arrival at the holding pens of a harvest facility. Of the 15 farms, 9 were BQA certified. Dairy cows from BQA-certified operations had improved BCS, were less lame, had heavier hot carcass weight (346 vs. 283 kg), and had less carcass damage when compared with dairy cows from non-certified farms. If we assume that the difference in hot carcass weight and damage loss can be fully attributed to BQA certification, then the certification led to an additional $USD251 value/cow. These findings indicate that BQA certification is associated with improved BCS, mobility, carcass outcomes, and profit potential in cull dairy cows.