Use All the Tools for Profitable Bull Selection

by John Ford

Genetic evaluations, and the Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) they generate, provide cattlemen the information needed to improve herd genetics and overall cattle performance. Genetic trend tables, available on breed association websites, verify the fact that beef operations utilizing today’s selection tools have improved overall animal productivity and profitability. All beef industry members should appreciate the tremendous commitment made by seedstock operations to devote resources, collect data, participate in feed efficiency trials, utilize DNA technology, review statistical analysis, and sort countless pages of information in order to breed better cattle. After all, it is the identification and use of genetically superior sires that is the fastest approach to herd improvement and ultimately bottom-line profitability.

During my tenure as Santa Gertrudis Breeders International Executive Director, I quickly learned time spent with members of the commercial sector of the beef industry was time well spent. Visits provided insight into the challenges of ranching in demanding environments. Additionally, it validated the fact that commercial cattlemen place great value on performance datasets and utilize the information provided in the decision-making process. Timely visits also reminded me that those of us involved with the production of purebred cattle should not allow ourselves to become so immersed in genetic evaluations and statistical methodologies that we lose sight of the sound animal selection practices that have served the beef industry well for so many years. There is no doubt, EPDs and other datasets are valuable selection tools, but we should also remember visual and phenotypic evaluation of bulls remains important.

For a bull to have any value to a beef producer, he must be reproductively sound. The only objective method for evaluating bull fertility is a breeding soundness examination (BSE). For this reason, it is critical that any bull purchased should have passed a BSE in the past 30-60 days. A BSE should be performed by a licensed veterinarian or trained professional and should comprise an assessment of scrotal circumference, sperm concentration, motility, and morphology. In addition, the bull’s physical ability to breed based on a physical examination of the reproductive organs and general health are appraised.

While structural soundness of feet and legs is included in the BSE, producers should also make their own evaluation of a bull’s skeletal structure before making a purchase. Structural soundness is vital, and a great deal of emphasis must be placed on sound conformation of the feet and legs. To be an efficient breeder, a bull must be structurally sound. During the act of covering a female the full weight of the bull is carried on the hind legs and feet. Clearly, any unsoundness in this region will severely interfere with breeding ability. Bottom line, bulls lacking structural integrity have higher rates of breakdowns resulting in decreased reproductive performance and longevity.

Another area in which producers might use visual evaluation in predicting a sire’s value is in the area of docility. Bulls with overly aggressive, nervous, or flighty dispositions create management problems for producers and should be avoided, additionally several studies have been conducted linking docility to other profitable traits. These studies indicate there are connections between stress and its effect on traits like fertility, feed efficiency and carcass merit.

With spring bull buying season around the corner, what selection strategies ensure that genetically superior animals can be identified and purchased?

Ї Seek purebred breeders that understand the value of data collection, are committed to measuring as many economically relevant traits as possible, and readily share all results. Use the EPDs generated from this data collection process to select bulls based on traits that are profitable for your operation.

Ї Require a Breeding Soundness

Examination. A BSE assess a bull’s reliability and capability as a breeding animal.

Ї Place pressure on structural soundness. Bulls need to be sound and function in the pasture, therefore, good feet and legs, a strong libido, and docility are a must.

Most importantly, find a seedstock producer you trust. Reputable seedstock producers want to develop a long-term business relationship with their bull buyers. The best seedstock operations are those committed to the lasting success of their bull buying customers.

John Ford served as Executive Director of Santa Gertrudis Breeders International 2010-2020. During his tenure, the association was the first to implement a genetic evaluation utilizing single-step methodology and the first Bos indicus influenced breed to offer Genomic EPDs. Ford currently works with Red Doc Farm, Belen, New Mexico assisting with the management and use of the operation’s performance data. ▫

Red17th annual Bull Sale

April 10, 2021

Bosque, NM 90 Santa Gertrudis and Gert influenced bulls

Backed by research.

Results of Utah State Heterosis project were profound! Across the entire Utah State Angus base cow herd a increasae in +50lb weaning weight on Santa Gertrudis sired calves vs Angus sired calves. Not only were their weaning weights impressive but the Santa Gertrudis had similar birth weights and a greater survival rate. (Garcia, 2020)

Red Doc Blaze 9508

BW 73, WW 806, YW 1238, REA 17.38 IMF 5.2, BF .25

Red Doc Oro Nuevo 4350

Pilgrim’s Pleads Guilty in Price-Fixing Plea Deal with DOJ

by Chris Scott, meatingplace.com

Pilgrim’s Pride Corp. has pleaded guilty and agreed to pay a multi-million-dollar fine to settle allegations of manipulating chicken prices in a plea deal originally announced last fall.

In the plea agreement filed in a federal court in Denver the processor admitted guilt in fixing poultry prices from as early as 2012 into at least 2017, the Department of Justice said. Pilgrim’s agreed to pay a criminal fine of nearly $108 million.

Pilgrim’s participated in a conspiracy to suppress and eliminate competition in the United States that affected at least $361 million in Pilgrim’s sales of broiler chicken products, according to the DOJ.

Pilgrim’s is the first of the processors accused of price-fixing to plead guilty to the charges of bid-rigging and other anticompetitive practices, according to the DOJ.

Tyson Foods Inc. said recently that it would pay a total of $221.5 million to settle price-fixing allegations under the litigation known as the “Broiler Chicken Antitrust Litigation,” which was initially filed in 2016. ▫

SILER

Santa Gertrudis Cattle

David and Avanell Siler P.O. Box 3, Doole, Texas 76836

325/483-5449

D V E RT I S E

in the New Mexico Stockman. Call: 505/243-9515.

SANTA GERTRUDIS IS

DATA DRIVEN

›First Bos indicus-influenced breed to offer GE-EPDs. › First beef breed to implement “single-step” methodology. › 30 years of data collection = comprehensive genetic evaluation. › 11,000+ genotypes in SGBI data set – one of the largest for a Bos indicus-influenced breed. › Full range of growth and carcass EPDs = targeted selection and genetic progress. PROFIT PROVEN

›Produce crossbred commercial females sought by cattlemen everywhere. › Adds profitable heterosis to any production system. › On-test gains of 3.5+ lb. ADG = efficiency, profit. › Adaptability, heat and parasite tolerance, disease resistance and increased longevity = more profit. › Igenity® Santa Gertrudis aids in commercial replacement heifer selection.

SANTA GERTRUDIS

The Data Driven, Profit Proven choice for today’s beef industry.

SANTA GE RTRUDIS

BREEDERS INTERNATIONAL

Santa Gertrudis Breeders International

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