What to Look for When Buying a Bull

Bulls are an essential part of any cattle farmers heard as males are required to produce the next generation of cattle. For this reason it is important when a farmer buys a new bull that it is in good condition and is going to be able to carry out its duties, partially because bulls can cost huge amounts of money. There are a number of traits and characteristics potential bull buyers will look out for to get the best purchase.

  1. Size and Weight

    • As a general rule, longer, taller and heavier bulls are worth more money than smaller, lighter bulls. This is relative to the breed of bull. Some breeds of cows are naturally smaller than others. Birth weight can also influence potential buyers, especially with younger animals, because it is an indication of how large they will grow. More specific measurements, such as hip height and fat thickness, also influence potential buyers but are much harder to estimate.

    Age

    • Buying a bull is an investment for a cattle rancher. If the bull is older, he is going to be useful to a farmer for a shorter period of time. A young bull may not yet be sexually mature, but once he is, he will have more years of service than an older bull. This comes down to a question of what is required and what a farmer is willing to pay. Older bulls can fetch a higher price if they are bigger and weigh more than others.

    Breed and Pedigree

    • There are hundreds of different cattle breeds, many of which have been crossbred over the years. Each of these different species have their own traits and characteristics that make them good for some types of cattle farmer, but not as good for others. For example, some breeds of cattle are prolific milk producers, whereas others are much better for meat production. It is entirely a question of what kind of cattle the farmer wants to raise. Pedigree, or past performance of a bull is also important. Bulls move around farms to prevent inbreeding within the heard. If a bull has produced a lot of offspring at a previous farm or ranch he will be more desirable and fetch a higher price at market.

    Scrotal Circumference

    • Bulls are bought to breed, and for young bulls with no reproductive record, the circumference of its scrotum is the best guide for semen quality. It is more common for young bulls to have a fertility test done to estimate breeding potential.