BULL SALE - Angus Journal
BULL SALE - Angus Journal
BULL SALE - Angus Journal
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The Right Bull<br />
“Which bull is the best one in this sale,” is a question often asked. Dr. Scott Greiner of Virginia Tech<br />
suggests rather that the question to ask is “which is the right bull for my operation” He says that<br />
genetic improvement in commercial herds is most effectively accomplished by proper sire selection.<br />
Further, he advises to focus on a few traits that are a priority rather than trying to change many traits<br />
at the same time.<br />
The first step in the priority process, Dr. Greiner suggests, is simply to define the objectives and<br />
goals of production and marketing. Will the bull breed heifers, mature cows, or both Is the plan to<br />
sell calves at weaning, to retain ownership, or to background Will replacement females be retained<br />
in the herd<br />
Next consider the situation in which your cattle must function and appraise the management resources<br />
available to you. Keep in mind that any short fall in management will limit performance to some<br />
extent. Put another way, a deficient environment limits genetic expression, diminishing returns on the<br />
investment in genetic advancement. Greiner cites the example of an operation marketing weaned<br />
calves where optimum early growth is essential for maximum profit. Early growth requires milk. Cows<br />
bred to produce that milk will fall short of their genetic potential without sufficient feed resources.<br />
Having established priorities, use the EPDs available for traits of economic importance. Decide which<br />
of them is most important in your operation and set some benchmarks for what you need. Keep in<br />
mind that pursuit of a single trait can come at a cost in other traits. Pursuit of high yearling growth, for<br />
example, may come at the cost of increasing birth weight.<br />
In summary, Dr. Greiner says that with proper strategy you can find the right bull. Whether that bull<br />
is the most popular or at the top of the sale order is not relevant. Your needs are your needs. What<br />
other buyers may need or want could well be the wrong bull for you.<br />
(This piece is condensed from an article by Dr. Greiner and included in the sale book with his kind permission.)<br />
2 • Woodhill Farms 20th Annual Production Bull Sale, April 1, 2010