![]() ![]() Breeders who are involved in their breed's performance program should have birth, weaning and yearling weight EPDs available on yearling bulls. Most major breed associations have National Cattle Evaluation programs. Breed associations report EPDs on weights and many other traits. EPDs not only account for contemporary group and herd differences, they also include information on a bull?s relatives as well as his individual performance. A bull's EPD for a trait is a more accurate estimate of his genetic worth than his weight, adjusted weight or ratio. Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs), on the other hand, are calculated across herds. But, ratios can also be misleading if bulls come from different herds. Within a herd, weight ratios help account for some of the environmental differences between contemporary groups. Since environmental factors like feed and weather affect weights, actual or adjusted weight can be misleading if bulls come from different contemporary groups. Actual or adjusted weights may help in making comparisons between bulls in the same contemporary group (a group of animals from the same herd, year and season that is raised together under the same conditions). This means that a certain degree of birth weight, weaning weight and yearling weight is inherited from the parents and that progress can be made by selecting for these traits.īirth, weaning and yearling weights are normally used to evaluate breeding animals. Birth weight and weaning weight are estimated to be about 30 percent heritable, while yearling weight is about 45 percent heritable. Fortunately, weight at various ages is heritable. That task can become hard to achieve without the help of a superior bull. The best way to remain efficient in today's beef industry is continue to produce more pounds of product per cow exposed. Keep in mind that a bull that will improve a herd must have genetic superiority over both the cows in the herd and over pervious bulls. When you consider that the bull contributes one-half of the genetic makeup of your calf crop and may sire 25 to 40 or more calves per year, it is easy to see that he is the most important individual in the herd. Bull procurement decisions can greatly impact your future calf crops and herd genetics for many years. Example 1 shows how you can turn an expense into a savings. The cost of purchasing a bull may seem high at a glance however, that expense becomes relatively small when it is spread across your bull?s calf crop for a three- to five-year period. (3-year average for 500-pound calves ? GA Auction Markets, 2009-2011) at weaning, you will have paid for the bull. If the bull sires 90 calves that are 10 pounds heavier at weaning and they sell for $1.09/lb. If the new bull sires 90 calves over the next 3-5 years, $910 ÷ 90 = $10.11 cost/ calf. 2090 Salvage Value of Old Bull (1900 lbs. This investment will add efficiency and profitability to your herd for years to come. The small expense you have in purchasing a bull is the difference between the purchase price of the new bull and the salvage value of the old bull (see Example 1). Using a bull with poor performance and a weak genetic base could delay improvements in your herd for several years. Never consider purchasing a bull without a proven record and a sound genetic background. ![]() ![]() Don't make a quick, unprepared decision on purchasing a bull. Selecting and purchasing a bull for your beef herd could be considered one of the most important decisions you make in your operation. Never underestimate the power of your bull. Other Factors to Consider when Buying a Bull.Dyer and Ronnie Silcox, Extension Animal Scientists ![]()
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