Choosing the right bull.....

DirtyDiesels

FOLKS...

Besides the obvious characteristics to look out for in bull, like size weight, conformation, testes size, hoofs, limping etc. when it comes to ICBF ratings, im not talking about stars now, that's another thread. What are your thoughts on calving difficulty. I mean how high would you go on the calving difficulty score? Some lads say up to 4% for maiden heifers and up to 6 or 7 on cows.. And theres higher ones too i supose? The last few bulls we had were circa 3% and last 3-4 yrs all calved on there own ... Watched a few on the camera and they slipped out at ease.. Im wondering what the rest of you lads are at. Im out the whest and ive shorthorn cows, and some SHX replacement crossed with a PBR Limo Bull, In the market for a bull now and just wondering what everyone else opinion is. Your thoughts/

Thanks.........Again

DD

charolais0153

DirtyDiesels wrote: »

FOLKS...

Besides the obvious characteristics to look out for in bull, like size weight, conformation, testes size, hoofs, limping etc. when it comes to ICBF ratings, im not talking about stars now, that's another thread. What are your thoughts on calving difficulty. I mean how high would you go on the calving difficulty score? Some lads say up to 4% for maiden heifers and up to 6 or 7 on cows.. And theres higher ones too i supose? The last few bulls we had were circa 3% and last 3-4 yrs all calved on there own ... Watched a few on the camera and they slipped out at ease.. Im wondering what the rest of you lads are at. Im out the whest and ive shorthorn cows, and some SHX replacement crossed with a PBR Limo Bull, In the market for a bull now and just wondering what everyone else opinion is. Your thoughts/

Thanks.........Again

DD

No one can tell you what to buy. Have cows here that i put bulls with 17%+ calving difficulty on and others who i wouldnt go above 6 or 7% with.up to 10% is grand for cows. Up to 6% for 3 yr old heifers and up to 3.5%for 2yr ols heifers.

bogman_bass

I like to keep as close to 3% as I can for heifers personally. I'm all AI so I have the luxury on mixing and matching. I suppose pick the worst calver in the herd and ask yourself what calving difficulty would you use on her

Never wrestle with pigs

Hard to get a bull to do everything. Can you ai heifers and use the bull on everything else? You can push it a bit then. Get a good long lad. It's hard to keep good length in animals and that's where the money is.

DirtyDiesels

thanks for the advice lads