How are cow and calf pairs sold at auction?

Cow and calf pairs are typically sold "by the head," which means that each pair is treated as a single unit for pricing and sale purposes. This method is common in livestock auctions as it simplifies the transaction for both buyers and sellers. It allows buyers to evaluate the quality of the pair without needing to weigh each animal, which can be more time-consuming and complicated.

When sold by the head, the auctioneer will announce the price for each pair, and bidders can quickly understand the cost they will incur for each unit they wish to purchase. This method also reflects the market practices where livestock is generally valued based on overall quality and characteristics, rather than just weight alone.

In contrast, selling by the pound is more common for other types of cattle or when individual animals are sold without their offspring. Bundling or selling as a whole unit might imply a broader or different kind of listing that doesn’t apply specifically to the auctioning of cow and calf pairs.