5 questions to ask before buying a new stock bull
Buying a stock bull is a major investment, so it is worth asking a few key questions before making a decision.
Through the Teagasc Beef Advisory Newsletter for April, Head of Drystock Knowledge Transfer, Pearse Kelly reminded farmers that a stock bull has a huge influence on herd performance, so taking time to ask these questions can pay off for years:
1). What figures are available?
Do not rely on appearance alone. Check the bull’s ICBF figures and star ratings before you buy. If buying privately, ask for the full tag number and look him up online. The figures can quickly tell you if the bull suits your system.
2). What is the bull for?
If all progeny will be sold for beef, focus on the Terminal Index. If you want the option of keeping replacement heifers, pay close attention to the Replacement Index. Choose the index that matches your breeding goal.
3). Which traits matter most on your farm?
Look beyond the overall star rating. Calving difficulty is critical, especially if the bull will be used on heifers. For replacement breeding, milk and daughter fertility are also important. Docility is a useful trait in any herd.
4). How reliable are the figures?
Breeding values are predictions, not guarantees. Reliability figures show how likely a bull’s stars are to hold up over time. In general, bulls with more recorded data and genomic information will have more dependable figures.
5). Is the bull physically right and fit for work?
The bull’s shape and correctness should match his published figures. Check his feet, legs, locomotion, testicles and overall body condition. A bull must be sound, fertile and ready for breeding. Also ask what diet he has been on so that any feed changes can be introduced gradually.