Cow prices for 2024 differed according to breed and species. Breeding cow prices were shared among themselves and sacrificial cow prices were also shared with different prices in their own categories. It is known that cows sold according to the current prices determined by the General Directorate of Agricultural Enterprises have undergone significant changes in the last few years. It should be noted that the prices, which are thought to be related to the rising costs in the livestock sector, can also be updated according to the condition of the animal and regional factors.

If we give an example of the change in cow prices in 2024, we can state that the price of a black pied milking cow in breeding cows increased from 92 thousand TL to 116 thousand TL. 7-day calf prices increased from 13 thousand TL to 19 thousand TL, and pregnant heifer prices increased from 95 thousand TL to 119 thousand TL. It is possible to say that the figures changing according to the updates made by the General Directorate of Agricultural Enterprises are also valid for sacrificial cows.

How much will a cow cost in 2024?
While it is known that cow prices vary from region to region and according to the latest condition of the animal, the change in cow prices in 2024 has been updated depending on the following factors;

• Supports Agricultural and livestock subsidies can actually affect prices. In 2024, agricultural subsidies increased and although producers' costs eased, cow prices continued to increase.
• Economic Conditions: Exchange rates, uncertainties in the economy, inflation rates and similar situations can directly affect cow prices. Because these factors increase the costs of producers.
• Supply and Demand: The balance of supply and demand directly affects cow prices. For example, the increase in demand for sacrificial cows before the Eid al-Adha raises prices. For example, in 2024, sacrificial cow prices increased up to 200 thousand TL.
• Maintenance Costs: The increase in the cost of materials preferred for the maintenance of cows affects prices. Maintenance expenses, health checks and veterinary services are among these costs.
• Feed Prices: The increase in feed prices also causes cow prices to be updated. In 2024, this increase directly affected prices. Because the increase in feed prices increases the cost of feeding animals.

Cow prices increased in 2024. In this context, sacrificial cattle prices ranged between 80 thousand TL and 160 thousand TL, while live weight prices increased up to 260 TL. The price of a 7-day-old calf increased to 19 thousand TL, a pregnant heifer to 119-120 thousand TL, and the prices of black pied dairy cows were updated from 90 thousand TL to 116-120 thousand TL.

Some breeds and breeds experienced a higher price increase. While Simmental cows have increased due to the increase in livestock fattening, it should not be forgotten that this cow has a high meat yield. The same applies to Angus breed cows. Jersey cows, which are high in milk yield, have also come to the fore as another breed affected by the price increase.

Things to Consider When Buying a Cow
In terms of animal productivity and health, there are some things to consider when buying a cow. In this process, many criteria under the title of physical evaluation should be known. Morphological evaluation, pedigree records, age and sex criteria are also important.

Looking at the cow's pedigree records actually provides important information about its genetic status. On the other hand, external appearance characteristics should also be evaluated. General health status has an important place for the detection of defects that affect productivity in the future. You can also get an idea of the productive potential by looking at gender and age. Related to these are the state of care and dietary habits.

Within the scope of physical evaluation, body depth and height should be examined first. It is known that cows with a deep and high body structure consume more roughage. This is important for economic production. On the other hand, it is important that the rump is slightly inclined from front to back. It is a very important criterion for the correct functioning of the birth canal. The width of the rump comes to the forefront in fertilization efficiency. It should be kept in mind that cows with narrow roofs can give birth more difficult. Finally, it is important that the hind leg angle is neither too steep nor too narrow. It is also useful to pay attention to this situation, which allows cows to keep their balance.

Although the same factors should be considered when buying heifers, different criteria should be at the forefront. These are listed as follows with their explanations;

Muscle Development: The growth status of all muscles must be checked. Low muscle weakness prevents milk production. In addition, the environment and care conditions directly affect muscle development.

Rear Teat: The symmetry of the heifer with the front teat from the back side should be checked. It should not be too close in terms of milking.

Front Teat: A short teat causes the milking head not to be attached. It should also be turned inward to a very small extent.

Udder Base Height: It is important that the heifer's udder should go down to the maximum rear knee height.

Knee Structure: The meatiness of the rear knees should be checked. The dryness of the inner and outer areas of the posterior knees should also be examined.

How Should Their Stables Be After Buying Cows?
After buying cows, factors such as floor, ventilation, lighting, zoned area should be considered. First of all, it is very important to provide enough space for each cow. Free or tied stall systems can be preferred in this process. The recommended area is 10-12 square meters for each cow. It is important that the barn floors are easy to clean and non-slip. Soil or concrete floors can be preferred at this stage. Regular cleaning protects cows from viruses and bacteria. Lighting should be designed to receive natural light. Artificial lighting is also used today. These situations have an impact on the psychological state of the cows.

After buying cows, the stables should be sufficiently ventilated. The most important factor in cows' living spaces is actually ventilation. Humidity, temperature and air flow should be maintained in the living space by using quality ventilation systems. Different systems have been developed for this process, which directly affects the health of animals. For example, helicopter fan ventilation systems provide high airflow and remove hot air from the environment. These systems, which are the first choice of small and medium-sized enterprises due to their low energy consumption, reduce heat stress in animals. Thanks to helicopter fans, cows spend more comfortable time and milk yield increases. Moreover, these systems have a floor drying feature. It prevents bacteria and viruses that can grow on the floor.