When deciding on a new bull for your cattle operation, remember that there is no one-size fits all approach. Buying a bull that fits your needs and operation is very important and decisions will be different for every farm.

Looking at all the traits for each bull you are considering and determining which one best fits your needs is the right approach. Using tools such as Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) will help in the decision-making process. Two traits often mentioned by Kentucky producers among the most important are calving ease and temperament.

Although both of these traits are associated with added convenience, they also have a great impact on production. Anyone that has ever assisted the delivery of a calf that is too large for the pelvic cavity of a heifer would like to avoid that in the future if possible. Not only is it an unpleasant experience, it can result in the death of the calf and or heifer and when the heifer survives it results in delayed rebreeding or she does not rebreed at all. The best way to avoid this problem is to select bulls that have higher values for calving ease EPDs while maintaining adequate performance in other traits.

The other trait of special interest to many Kentucky producers is temperament or docility; how gentle is the bull or his offspring? This in an important trait for farm safety, but it also has an impact on production.

Research has shown that cattle with a poor disposition do not gain as well and have reduced carcass performance. Some breeds have EPDs for this trait but most do not. This is often a trait that must be determined by interacting with the bull prior to buying it. Many breeds are becoming more interested in developing docility EPDs and in the future this trait will likely be more easily selected for using EPDs.

Whether your selection is based on added convenience, added production or both, selecting for calving ease and disposition in beef cattle can have positive affects. However, don’t think that these are the only traits to select herd sires from. Don’t forget growth, milk, maternal and carcass EPD’s, to mention a few more.

The point is to consider the herd’s needs, whether you intend to produce replacement females or expect to sell all of the progeny produced from that sire. Some producers find that they need to challenge their mature cows (not heifers) with added calf growth and/or milking ability from replacement heifers (if their management and feed resources can support higher producing females), in order to achieve better performance. Others may be satisfied with lower performance and less potential of calving issues. Therefore, most herds will vary in needs for their herd sires.

Heterosis (the genetic ability to gain performance and other useful opportunities from the calves produced) has an opportunity for many producers to consider with a good, planned mating crossbreeding system. Use of a crossbreeding strategy needs to be planned and mapped to achieve the goals of a producers’ breeding program for their particular operation several years down the road, not by selecting the “breed of the day” approach.

There is a lot to consider when planning a genetics program for your beef cattle herd. There are good selection tools available for help in this process. Remember, these are tools (guidance information) and need to be used to assist with the overall selection process. Selecting sires for one or two traits isn’t necessarily the best option. Some traits (such as calving ease and temperament EPD’s) can be a priority to begin weeding out to a “short-list” for potential sires to pick from, but look further and beyond those traits to make sure other EPD traits are also meeting the needs for your herd.

After looking into the EPD’s and pedigree information, it is time to select individuals with a visual appraisal. Look further into temperament, check into scrotal circumference, watch structure closely (not only on a profile, but can he walk and support himself well), then seek more of the eye appealing points that many folks would have done first. Ask about fertility tests and make sure the potential sire can pass a BSE and documented from a veterinarian. Review the bull’s preventive health program and other health concerns to satisfy your requirements.

Selecting sires can and should become a tough process. Realize that he contributes half of the genetics to his calf crop. Using the newer technology tools now available can help and be the first part of a selection process to meet your sire needs, if used correctly.

To find out more about selecting bulls using EPDs and other tools for cattle production, contact the Barren County Cooperative Extension Service.