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I’m just buying a bull….right?
Most of us don’t really believe that, yet the gravity of the decisions associated with selecting the next generation of
seed stock may be greater than you first think. All of us consider the calves these bulls might sire and the value they
should return to the ranch. Most consider pricing bulls based on a projection of years of service hopefully 4-8 years
barring injury and the calf performance we might expect them to sire. If you don’t keep your own replacement
heifers, this makes some sense. If like most you keep females, the long term effects of this year’s buying decisions
on ranch profitability may not be quite as obvious until we break it down based on the long term maternal value
traits we are purchasing.
Let’s assume your operation purchases 4 bulls this coming spring of 2013.
• First calves born in spring of 2014
• First daughters calving in spring of 2016 (First granddaughters calve in 2018)
• With any luck at 2 or more of these bulls are still breeding at age 7 (2019)
• Last calves born sired by these bulls in 2020
• Last calf crop females have their first calves in 2022 (Their first daughters calve in 2024)
• In 2023 a substantial share of the 2-7 year old cows are daughters of the bulls purchased 10 years before.
• In the year 2031 there are still a few 11 and 12 year old daughters in your herd sired by the 2013 purchased bulls.
• In the year 2031 the granddaughters and great granddaughters of the bulls purchased 18 years ago still make up a
substantial portion of the genetics of your herd.
I know, most of us don’t like to think about the year 2031. Seems like the Bi-Centennial was just a few years ago
(actually 37 years!). If however your plans are to keep or make the beef business an important part of your families
livelihood as far out as 2031, which most of us do, the bulls you purchase this year will still be an important piece
of the profits you enjoy or the challenges you are still working through nearly 20 years from now. Sire selection is
that important, so use all the tools available to make the best decisions you can every time!
So, if you would like to see a snap-shot of your cow herd 10-20 years from now in 2031, you need only spend some
time with the seedstock herd you purchase bulls from. With the exception of a few differences created by environ-
ment, what you see is where you are headed! The size, disposition, body condition, udders, feet, calving ease, fertil-
ity, longevity, etc of your future cow herd is right there to see. Not just the mature cows either, make sure you look
at the 2 and 3 year olds too and consider the direction your source is moving. That is why it is so crucial to choose
a seedstock source that is headed where you want and need to be.
SUGGESTED GUIDELINES FOR USING YEARLING BULLS:
We are firm believers in the use of yearling bulls and feel it is one of the best years of their lives. It is a time
when they are easy to manage and their only concern is breeding cows. We have found that yearling bulls that
are managed carefully during the second year of their lives, not only do well, but they will perform better, over
time. Below are some suggested guidelines for the care of yearling bulls.
• Upon delivery to your ranch, keep yearling bulls separate from older bulls and feed them a maintenance ratio
of 5-8 lbs per head of grain and free choice hay. Reduce the amount of grain fed gradually, so that bulls are on
straight hay or grass 2-4 weeks prior to the breeding season.
• Where possible, try to limit the bulls to 45-60 days of pasture service the first year. At this time or as soon as
possible remove the bulls and put them in separate pastures with plenty of good quality grass. It is best to
achieve the growth and strength to compete with older bulls for feed and space.
• You will see the benefit of a little added cost and care of feeding a yearling bull by probably two or three
more years of service from a well-managed and healthy bulls.
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