There are many different production systems in Irish farming, requiring a number of different types of stock. Finding a bull that satisfies every system's requirement can be very difficult.

Getting the balance right can be tricky. Improving carcase traits may negatively affect calving difficulty. These are all important factors to take into consideration when selecting bulls this season.

1 Giga Du Bois Remont (RGG)

Top terminal bull,Giga Du Bois Remont (RGG) supplied by Dovea genetic

He currently holds the highest terminal value on the ICBF terminal list and has a 90% reliability for it. He is really good on carcase traits, a unique bull producing progeny with muscle and weight for age, super cattle for killing without being hard-calving.

2 Crossmolina Jupiter (CH2161)

2nd highest on active bull list Crossmolina Jupiter,supplied Dovea genetics

Jupiter is a super bull with a calving ease of 8.4%, which is considerably good for a Charolais and would have no problem with mature cows. Progeny are showing unreal growth rates at present. Good stock to bring to stores or even to push into 16-month beef.

3 Biovouac (CH2218)

3rd Biovouac (CH2218) supplied by Dovea genetics

Really good bull for calving. He is only 4% for calving ease which is exceptional for a high terminal bull. This is in line with having a short gestation. He has a high replacement index also. An all-round very well-balanced bull. The reports back from customers that used him is that they would happily use him again.

4 Orme De Somme (ODY)

4th on the list, Orme De Somme (ODY) supplied by Eurogene AI

Excellent ratings on both terminal and replacement. He ranks in the top 5% for ease of calving on the ICBF active bull list in the Belgian Blue breed category, consistently producing superb progeny combined with ease of calving.

5 Mullary Intrepid (LM4093)

5th Mullary Intrepid (LM4093) supplied by Dovea genetics

Average calving difficulty. Brings loads of size and shape to his progeny. An ideal bull to produce high-value weanlings. Would work well with plainer-type cows to inject muscle and style.

It is recommended to keep an eye on calving ease percentages when selecting bulls. Think about the negative effects that hard calving may have on your cow returning to breed and the influence it has on poor calf vigour after birth.

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