7 Golden Rules for Buying Healthy Dairy Cattle in Local Mandis & Online

How to Inspect Cattle Before Purchasing

Buying dairy cows or buffaloes is a major capital investment for any farmer. Avoiding deception in local cattle markets (मंडियां) requires methodical inspection.

1. Verify Age with Teeth (दंत देखना): Check the lower incisors. Two permanent teeth indicate 2 to 2.5 years of age. Four teeth indicate 3 to 3.5 years. Avoid purchasing animals with broken or missing teeth.
2. Examine the Udder (अयन की जांच): The udder should be bowl-shaped, elastic, and tucked close to the body, not sagging low. All four teats must be evenly spaced with no hard lumps or fibrous tissue indicating mastitis.
3. Inspect Milking Personally (दूध दुहकर देखें): Never buy without observing at least two consecutive milkings (morning and evening) in your presence.
4. Look at General Demeanor: Alert eyes, moist and dew-dropped muzzle, glossy coat, and active ear movement are hallmark signs of a healthy animal.
5. Gait and Hoof Health: Walk the animal on hard ground to detect any hidden lameness, foot-rot, or joint swelling.
6. Lactation History & Calving: Ask for proof of calf age and previous lactation yields. Match the calf’s age with the mother’s milk letdown.
7. Digital Transparency: Prefer buying through platforms like Pashu App where seller identities, photos, and direct owner discussions prevent middleman price inflation.