By Mark Parker
Contributing Editor

Step one with bull selection is simply to develop a job description of what you want that bull to accomplish. (DTN/Progressive Farmer image by Mark Parker)

There are a lot of important chores on the Oklahoma ranch Dale Johnston and his family run, but bull selection may top the list. "It sets the direction of the entire operation," says the rancher.

Specializing in Angus replacement heifers, Johnston Stock Farm aims for females that earn the attention of commercial customers. Birthweight EPDs and scrotal size—an indicator of female progeny fertility—are the first things Johnston considers in any bull prospect.

"It's important to take a balanced approach to traits but, for heifers, we definitely emphasize calving ease," Johnston says. "On cows, performance obviously gets more attention. Even on traits that are less important to us, we try to avoid glaring low spots in the numbers."

With a bull battery numbering 20, the Johnstons typically replace five bulls a year, in addition to using AI sires on about 100 of their elite cows. Bloodlines, type and EPDs are assessed to produce a consistent set of calves; visual appraisal plays a role as well.

"Eye appeal is still important," he says. "No matter how you sell them, somebody is going to look at those cattle and they're going to be valued somewhat on appearance."

The Johnstons' approach to bull selection, where they focus on addressing the specific needs of their operation, is the way to go, says Dan Moser, associate professor of beef cattle genetics at Kansas State University. He suggests step one is simply to develop a job description of what you want that bull to accomplish.

"What traits are important? What drives the profitability of your operation? Write it all down so you can keep focused on the traits you need in a bull," he says.

For operations selling their calf crops at weaning time, weaning weights are obviously critical. For those who retain ownership, carcass traits may take on increased importance, while a replacement heifer program brings maternal traits to the forefront. Regardless of the focus, Moser asserts that data analysis is the key to success.

"If you're buying young bulls, then yes, the accuracy of the EPDs will be somewhat lower than for AI sires," he acknowledges. "But data is by far the best indicator of what that bull will do in your herd. You can believe in it and it will work for you."

Here are Moser's nine need-to-know strategies for selecting a bull:

Evaluate production records to help pinpoint traits that need attention.

Focus on the most important traits, but not to the exclusion of all others. In other words, keep criteria balanced.

Heterosis is the closest thing to a free lunch in the cattle business. Crossbreeding benefits can be huge, but keep in mind that breeding straight-bred cows to an outcross bull will increase birthweights along with weaning weights.

The real benefit of artificial insemination is in enhanced predictive accuracy. The more specific the job description, the more reasons for AI. Artificially breeding first-calf heifers to calving-ease bulls, for instance, can reduce risks of dystocia.

Expected Progeny Differences don't measure all traits, so take a look at the supplier's cow herd, with an eye toward structural soundness, udder quality and muscling.

Hybrid bulls may be a good option for some operations because they can simplify crossbreeding systems while maintaining the benefits of heterosis.

Be aware of all services and warranties offered by bull suppliers.

Visual appraisal is definitely important, but don't go overboard. A little extra leather under his neck, for instance, isn't likely to impact your bottom line.

Genetic defects aren't a widespread problem in commercial herds, but talk to the bull supplier to see what's being done to ensure that it won't be a problem in your herd.

Considering the impact a bull has on a cow/calf operation, Moser says doing some homework ahead of bull selection is well worth the effort. "If you're selecting a bull based only on looking at him for 30 seconds in a sale ring," he concludes, "you're probably about to make a very bad decision."

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