Host: Joanna Coles, Warren County Extension Agent for Agriculture & Natural Resources

Guest: Dr. Darrh Bullock, UK Extension Beef Genetics Specialist

Topic: Bull Buying Tips

Commercial cattlemen should always consider a crossbreeding program. This can be as simple as choosing two or three breeds and rotating between them every 4 years. Production can be improved from 12-25 percent depending on the crossbreeding system. For selection of the bull, you should consider Reproductive Soundness (Breeding Soundness Exam), Structural Soundness, Visual Appraisal and Performance. For performance you should always use Expected Progeny Differences when available. Common traits KY producers select on are Calving Ease, Growth, Docility and maternal traits. A trait with growing concerns is trying to moderate mature cow weight because bigger cows eat more and can add maintenance costs to the operation. Genomics testing to produce Genomically Enhanced EPDs improves the accuracy of the EPDs in young bulls which reduces the risk of making a making a selection mistake.

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