1 Know your market

The first thing a breeder needs to know before looking at a bull is the market he wants that bull’s calves for. This will allow the farmer identify the traits necessary to fill this market. A basic example is a dairy farmer wanting to get the cow to the parlour as soon as possible. His desired traits are easy calving and short gestation. However, this comes more into play in a suckler scenario. Breeders here should look at specific traits depending on whether breeding cattle that will be slaughtered or if the progeny will be kept as replacements.

It is very hard to find a bull to tick all the boxes. Fertility and milk should be priority if heifers are retained whereas this can be relaxed and terminal traits looked at if breeding animals for slaughter.

2 Understanding stars

Whether you agree with them or not, the €uro-Star indices are fast becoming a significant part of bull selection, especially since the introduction of the Beef Data and Genomics programme (BDGP) in 2015. This provides financial support to beef farmers who hit certain criteria. One of the main requirements is that participants have to use a genotyped four- or five-star bull on the replacement or terminal index (see tables above for top 10 sires on each index). Again, this is why it’s essential for farmers to know their market. A farmer killing all progeny should pay no heed to the replacement index but instead focus on the terminal.

Whether in the programme or not, the indices can be used as a bull selection tool.

3 Health status

Buyers should be aware of the health status of a bull prior to purchase. Unless a testing and vaccination programme consistent with your own is run, both the bull and the purchaser’s entire herd stand at risk of disease spread. Bulls exposed to certain diseases also risk the chance of going infertile for a brief period. Where a bull is tested clear but not vaccinated prior to purchase, a similar vaccination programme to that of the purchaser’s herd should be carried out before introduction to the new herd.

Buying from breeders with a known herd health status is advisable.

4 Age and fertility

Knowing the amount of work the young bull will be undertaking is essential information as this will determine the age of the bull required for your herd. A bull should not be over worked, particularly in its first year. A general rule of thumb is one bull can service as many cows as he is months old. It is also advisable to choose a bull with a fertility test cert. This gives some reassurance as to the semen production capability of the young bull.

5 Price

Price and calving ease will stand as two of the biggest factors when it comes to choosing your potential stock bull. If the calf is not born alive it’s impossible for you to make money back on your original purchase. Breeders shouldn’t be afraid to invest in their stock bull.

One top-producing cow will achieve a superior price on one calf whereas a top-performing bull will produce an increased price on all calves.

Where a bull has the ability to add significant profit to your enterprise it makes sense to invest at the time of purchase to obtain the best possible bull for your herd.