Performance
Demand More When Buying a Herd Sire
By John F . Grimes , Ohio State Univeristy
Bull buying season is well underway throughout the cowcalf regions across the country . If your calving season starts in January , you may have already made your herd sire selections for this year ’ s breeding season . If your calving season starts a bit later , you may be in the midst of making herd sire selections . If you have yet to make your bull buying decisions , there are plenty of opportunities available in the immediate future through public auction or private treaty .
As an Extension professional and a seedstock producer , one of the most interesting discussions I can have with a producer is reviewing their thoughts on what they are looking for in a potential purchase for a herd sire . Obviously , there is a wide range of criteria to be considered depending on the production goals and size of the herd . In my experience , a few very consistent themes emerge with discussions on a potential herd bull purchase : calving ease , disposition , and price .
Given the value of feeder cattle and the level of expenses associated with beef production today , discriminating bull buyers should demand that potential herd sire candidates
be equipped with the proper qualifications to do the job . Prospective bull buyers should expect these qualifications from any operation selling bulls at private treaty or public auction . There is simply too much risk involved in beef production today to take a chance on a sire with a lack of information in the areas of genetics , health , and fertility .
Expected Progeny Differences ( EPDs ) allow the breeder to identify the animals that excel in the traits that are important for their operation . The EPDs can be used to determine exactly where a herd sire candidate ranks within a given breed and his potential to make significant improvements in performance of future calf crops . A documented health program should be emphasized with any herd additions regardless of gender . A sound biosecurity plan for the herd can go a long way to help avoid the introduction of a costly disease into a herd .
It is my opinion that the most important job qualification that any potential herd sire should possess is a successful Breeding Soundness Examination . This examination gives the purchaser an assurance that a herd sire candidate has the ability to get cows bred . Even mature bulls should have a Breeding Soundness Examination performed prior to turnout before a breeding season . Given today ’ s economic climate , a cow is too expensive to maintain and feeder calves are too valuable to sell to
50 | APRIL 2018