Know Before You Buy.

Purchasing a bull for a cattle herd is a significant decision that can greatly impact the genetics of the herd. It is important for producers to consider the genetic potential and profitability that a bull can bring to the herd. Providing customers with detailed information about the bulls, such as weights, feed efficiency, and expected progeny differences, can help them make informed decisions. Nichols Farms, for example, sells bulls with information on their genetic lines that are resistant to certain health conditions, such as bovine respiratory disease. The farm also monitors the health of the calves after weaning and uses genomic information to identify cattle that are more resistant to disease. Producers should consider their specific goals and find a trusted source of information to make the right choice when purchasing a bull. [Extracted from the article]