Top tips for buying and selling bulls from the yard

Due to the postponement and cancellation of a number of major breed sales, there is going to be an increase in the number of on-farm sales. No matter what happens, the cows need to be put in calf.

It may even come to transpire that we see an increased demand for young bulls given some farmers’ reluctance to allow people such as AI men on farm, and instead turn to using a stock bull.

Despite being in such uncertain times, we need to plan to make next year, when hopefully we’ll be out the other end, as problem-free as possible. This means getting the cow in calf and back calving within 365 days. If we take a laid-back approach to breeding this year, it has the potential to affect our breeding programmes for many years to come.

I’ve outlined a short guide as to what the buyer should be looking out for when choosing a bull and indeed what the seller should be doing.

Farm visits to see the bulls are acceptable, but please remember to keep social distance from each other.

Please also refrain from going into houses - talk at a distance in fresh air.

Go look for a bull now

Don’t buy any animal the week before you need them. Aim for buying at least one month before you need to introduce them to the main herd.

Ask herd health questions

What vaccines (if any) have been given? When were they given? Does the herd have a BVD/IBR/Johnes management programme in place? Is there any certification of such? Bulls exposed to certain diseases also run the risk of going infertile for a brief period. Where a bull is tested clear but not vaccinated prior to purchase, a similar vaccination programme to that of the purchaser’s herd should be carried out before introduction to the new herd. If buying more than one bull, it is best to try to buy all from the same yard. Again, this minimises the chance of introducing new diseases to your herd.

Know what you want in a bull

Before looking at any bulls, you need to know the market ?which you want that bull’s calves for. This will allow the farmer to then identify the traits necessary to fill this market. It is very hard to find a bull to tick all the boxes. Fertility and milk should be priority if heifers are retained, whereas this can be relaxed and terminal traits looked at if breeding animals for slaughter.

Feet and legs

If possible, ask to see the bull walking on concrete. This will allow you to see if the bull is functionally correct. It will also allow you to see if the bull has been pared or needs to be lifted. Bulls showing feet problems at a young age should be avoided.

Indices

This is why it’s essential for the farmer to know his market. A farmer that is killing all progeny should pass no heed on the replacement index, but instead focus on that of the terminal. However, it must be emphasised that the indices are just a guide and should be used alongside selecting for phenotypic traits and pedigree. For those in the Beef Data Genomics Programme (BDGP), it is a requirement to have a genotyped four- and five-star bull on the terminal or replacement index by 30 June 2020, so it’s worth bearing this in mind.

Ask to see the dam

One of the biggest positives of buying off farm is if it’s from a breeder you may have the option to see the dam or other relations, siblings, sire, etc. By asking to see the dam, it could prove that the bull was born on farm. When possible, bulls should be bought from breeders. This minimises the chance of bulls from numerous herds mixing, which could lead to an increased chance of the spread of disease.

Is the bull fertility tested?

Breeders will generally stand over a bull, but some use a fertility test to give reassurance to both breeder and purchaser. If they do have a fertility test done, ensure that it is undertaken by a vet. A vet tests for more than fertility, as they also do an animal health test, examining the bull’s eyes and mouth along with checking for any warts.

The cost of the bull

Don’t let the cost of the bull be the main determining factor when selecting a bull. You’re purchasing a bull which will hopefully last a few years. The difference of €500 is very little added to each calf if you get 100 calves out of the bull. Remember, one top-producing cow will achieve a superior price on one calf, whereas a top-performing bull will produce an increased price on all calves. Where a bull has the ability to add significant profit to your enterprise, it makes sense to invest at the time of purchase to obtain the best possible bull for your herd.

Take time

It’s important to take your time when selecting a stock bull, as it could be your best or worst purchase of the year.

Delivery of the bull

Remember, a bull can pick up disease during transport. So collect in a clean box or get the breeder to deliver the bull to minimise this risk.

Quarantine

Ideally, a bull should be quarantined on arrival. This will allow it an acclimatisation period to his new surroundings and also allow the breeder to reduce the amount of feed the bull was getting pre-purchase to get him in a fit condition. Bulls should be tested in quarantine in line with the buyer’s herd health regime.

Introduce to work gradually

This is key, particularly in young bulls. Start by introducing the young bull to small numbers and increasing gradually. A bull, particularly in its first year, should not be overworked. A general rule of thumb is one bull can service as many cows as he is months old. For example, a 15-month-old bull should service a maximum of 15 cows; a 20-month-old bull should service a maximum of 20 cows, etc. But bear in mind, it is recommended that ?50 cows should be the maximum number for a mature bull.

Not all are suitable for breeding

Cull the bottom 20% and don’t sell for breeding. No matter how good you think your herd is, there’s always a bottom tier. Only by culling the bottom end of bulls will quality improve nationally, inevitably leading to higher demand and increased prices all round. Even in good times for a breed, this rule should be adhered to.

Cut back feed

With many sales which breeders were aiming for now cancelled, bulls no longer need to be pushed as hard. Reduce feed gradually to get bulls in a fit-not-fat condition. This will also benefit the eventual purchaser. When sold, advise the buyer on feed type and amounts so a work-down programme can be put in place.

Don’t mix groups

If you sell, don’t mix groups of bulls into sold and unsold pens. This reduces the chance of bulls fighting and, in turn, injuring themselves.

Value the bull appropriately

Have prices for bulls determined before callers. For the year that’s in it, printing out a sheet with tag numbers and prices can be useful. This will allow the buyer to go through the bulls while social distancing. It also shows the buyer that you’re not just pulling figures out of your head. Value them in line with market demand and the bull itself.

Sanitisation

For ?prospective buyers visiting, provide disinfection in and out for wellingtons. You don’t want anything brought into your herd or introduced to prospective buyers’ farms.

COVID-19

Due to the ongoing pandemic, hand sanitiser or soap and a tap should also be provided to wash hands on arrival.

Money

Getting money is the biggest risk for bull breeders. If the buyer is paying by cheque, try to get the cheque on the day when they view the bull. This should give time for the cheque to be cleared before collection or delivery. Getting paid by bank transfer is by far the easiest way and can be done instantly if the transaction is between accounts from the same bank. Don’t forget to give a luck penny. No matter the price, a bull needs to be lucky. A lucky bull for the seller is a happy customer and a happy customer gives you the best chance of a repeat buyer. Finally, don’t sell anything you’re not happy to stand over.

Below is a list of some of the cancelled sales over the coming months which we know of at the time of going to print.