Home / Guides / Breeding, Genetics & Reproduction
Breeding, Genetics & ReproductionBull Selection for Ranch Herds
A herd bull contributes half the genetics of every calf he sires, so he deserves more thought than any other purchase on the ranch. Start with your goals, not with the sale ring.
Key points
- Set your breeding goals before you shop.
- Use EPDs and records together, and balance traits.
- Check structure, eyes, feet and temperament carefully.
- Require a breeding soundness exam by a veterinarian.
- Ask the seller about health, guarantees and the bull's background.
Decide what the bull is for
Write down what you want from the calves: heifers that calve easily, growth, carcass quality, maternal traits, or a balance. Think about whether the bull will breed heifers, mature cows or both, and whether daughters will stay in the herd.
Your market and your environment matter too. A bull that suits a lush pasture may not do well on dry range, so ask your extension specialist what works in your area.
Write the goal down in a single sentence, such as calving ease for heifers or heavier calves at weaning, and compare each candidate against it.
Reading EPDs and records
Expected progeny differences, or EPDs, predict how a bull's calves should perform compared with other bulls in the same breed. Weights such as the 205-day adjusted weaning weight and the 365-day yearling weight are standard records. Breed associations and the Beef Improvement Federation explain how EPDs and accuracy values work.
Do not pick on one number. Balance traits that fit your goals, and watch for extremes that could cause trouble, such as calving difficulty in a heifer herd.
Accuracy values tell you how much information sits behind each EPD. A young bull with little data has less certain numbers than one with many progeny.
Structure and soundness
A bull has to walk, cover ground and breed for several seasons. Check feet, legs, joints, eyes, mouth and general build. Poor structure shortens a bull's working life, and some problems are inherited.
Look at the bull on firm ground, moving at a walk. Ask about the bull's history, including injuries, and ask the seller what they know about his dam and sire.
Ask for photos or video of the bull's movement if you cannot see him in person, and have a vet or knowledgeable friend look at him before you buy.
Fertility and the breeding soundness exam
Any bull you buy should pass a breeding soundness exam by a veterinarian, ideally close to the time of use. The exam covers physical soundness, reproductive organs and semen quality. A bull that looks good can still be infertile.
Ask whether the seller will guarantee the bull, and what the terms are. Policies vary, so get them in writing.
If the bull will be moved across states, ask your vet about health requirements and testing, and check with the state department of agriculture.
Temperament and handling
Bulls are large and can be dangerous, and temperament is partly inherited. Choose calm bulls that are easy to handle, and be wary of those that are aggressive. A bad-tempered bull is a danger to your family and crew.
Follow manufacturer, OSHA and extension safety guidance around bulls, and never work alone with one. Build facilities and fences that can hold him.
Feeding a bull for sale on a rich ration can hide problems and makes the move to a ranch diet harder, so plan time to bring him onto your feed gradually.
Questions for the seller
A good seller will answer your questions openly. Consider asking:
- What herd health program has the bull been under?
- Has he been tested, and what were the results?
- What feed and conditioning has he had, and how will he adjust to mine?
- What do his EPDs and records show, and how accurate are they?
- What are the terms of any guarantee?
- Can I see his parents or his calves?
Common mistakes and what to ask
Common mistakes are buying on price or looks alone, choosing for one trait, skipping the breeding soundness exam, ignoring temperament and buying a bull that is too fat from a sale diet. Ask your vet to examine the bull and check herd health, and ask your extension specialist or breed association how to match EPDs to your goals. Prices change, so compare bulls on value for your herd, not on a single number. This is not financial advice.
Keep the sale papers, registration and exam results together, because they show what you bought and what the seller promised.
Consider asking neighbors about bulls they have used. Real results from ranches near you often say more than a catalog.
Sources and further reading
- Beef Improvement Federation
- American Angus Association
- American Hereford Association
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln Beef
Organization homepages are linked so you can search them for current guidance on this topic.