One of the most important investments for your cattle enterprise is a bull. The genetics that come into your herd are crucial to the future success and productivity of your operation.
If your herd is based on retaining your heifers (self-replacing or closed herd), then all the genetics coming into your herd are from the bulls you purchase. This means that the bull will not only influence the calves he sires while you use him, but also the calves of the animals you retain into the future. This impact can last 8 to 10 years after you have stopped using the bull, making the decision to choose your bull approximately 10 times more important than your choice of heifers to retain, according to Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA Tips and Tools – How do I select and manage bulls?)
When thinking about investing in a bull, it is important to consider the long-term impact, as well as the immediate returns. Purchasing a well-prepared bull from a reputable stud will help de-risk your investment by providing a bull with better characterised performance. This includes information on likely calving ease, docility, growth, carcass characteristics, and fertility. A well-prepared bull should also be appropriately vaccinated and structurally sound.
In addition to driving productivity and profitability in your herd, a good bull can also retain a significant “salvage” value. After five or more years of use, a bull still retains significant value, further adding to the return on investment.
On the other hand, using an inferior bull can have detrimental effects on your herd. Increased calving difficulty, lower growth rates, temperament problems, and structural issues are just some of the impacts that can arise from using a bull with poorer genetics (“Can your breeding program afford a cheap bull?” Beef Central)
At Stellar, we are committed to offering high-quality, well-prepared, commercially relevant bulls to the Tasmanian and mainland cattle industry, with significant performance information collected. Our bulls are carefully selected based on their genetics and performance, ensuring that they will have a positive impact on your herd’s productivity and profitability for years to come.
We understand the importance of this investment and strive to provide our customers with bulls that will not only meet their immediate needs but also contribute to the long-term success of their operation. Investing in a good bull is an important decision, and we are here to help you make the right choice for your cattle enterprise.
