A common mistake made by cow-calf producers is not placing enough emphasis on purchasing a bull. Too often producers view the bull as just another area of expense to be cut. However, due to the tremendous impact he has on the entire calf crop, the bull should be treated as an important investment for the cow-calf producer.
What tools should be used in the selection process?
The beef industry is continuously changing and introducing new technology to improve efficiency of production and product quality for the consumer. Selection tools and techniques are available to help with purchasing a bull:
• Visual selection
• Individual performance records
• Expected progeny differences (EPDs)
• Ultrasound measurements
Visual selection is the oldest standard in bull selection. It’s often assumed that selection based on objective production data will replace the more subjective visual evaluation of cattle, visual selection shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Structural correctness of feet and legs is absolutely necessary. It’s the most critical component of visual selection because conformation is difficult to measure objectively. Regardless of how great his performance data is, a bull that is unable to mount cows in heat has no value to the cow-calf producer.
Frame score, an estimate of skeletal size based on hip height and age, is an effective measurement for estimating rate of maturity, mature size, and general carcass composition at a given end point. Select well-muscled bulls to produce more muscular calves. The degree of muscling is important and relates to the amount of red meat yield the calf will have at harvest. Feeder calf quality is based heavily on muscling of the calf.
Choose a bull that is well-balanced from end to end and eye appealing because these traits are passed on to his offspring. Depth and capacity in bulls are also important because of their positive relationship to fleshing ability.
Performance records and EPDs. Individual sire performance data (birth weight, weaning weight, etc.) can help predict the performance of a sire’s offspring. EPDs take that a step further and helps us make even more accurate predictions of how a group of a sire’s offspring will perform.
An EPD is the difference of an animal, when compared to other animals of the same breed or the breed average for that trait. Don’t compare the EPDs of bulls of different breeds unless specific adjustments are made to the figures.
Selection for one trait often affects other traits either positively or negatively.
Ultrasound measurements. Ultrasound technology can measure ribeye area, back fat thickness and percentage of intramuscular fat (marbling). Cow-calf producers who are paid for the carcass quality of their calves should use this powerful too. However, even if you are simply selling your calves at weaning, ultrasound ribeye area measurements can be used to more accurately select bulls with more muscling.
Use the available tools. Visual selection, performance data and ultrasound data are available to help select a bull. Use a balanced approach when evaluating genetic traits. Single trait selection can rapidly improve performance in one area while possibly reducing it in another. Select for traits that are valuable to your operation.
Do you need more or less milk in your cows? Milk EPDs should be important.
Do you sell calves strictly at weaning? Weaning weight EPDs should be the area of focus.
Do you retain ownership and take cattle to the feedlot? Then yearling weight and carcass EPDs would be critical. Treat a bull purchase as an investment in your operation rather than merely another expense.
For more information, contact the Kent County Extension Office at 806-237-3751 or the Dickens County Extension Office at 806-623-5552.
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