04/12/06 Bull testing

Bull Testing Spring bull buying season is really in high gear. Many of these bulls have been on performance tests, but there are other tests that might be valuable. I'm Jeff Keane; I'll be right back with some comments. Bull sales are in full swing in the Pacific Northwest and the northern states right now. Many of these bulls have just been evaluated for weight gain and growth characteristics through performance tests. A lot of the bulls have also been tested for reproductive soundness. But Dave Sparks, Oregon State University extension specialist reminds producers older bulls already used in the breeding herd should be tested for reproductive problems. He says there are some misconceptions about reproductive testing in bulls. One thought is that the bull has always produced calves so he still should. Maybe notage, infection, and injuries could affect fertility. Another idea is that the bull was just purchased and is guaranteed. If the seller didn't conduct a fertility test this won't help if you find a problem with cows recycling or not bred next fall. Most guarantees I know about are generally only good for the purchase price or a replacement bull. Bulls that have poor fertility cost a lot more than the purchase price if you get late calves or no calves from your cows. One other reason I can think of for not testing all the older bulls is the total inconvenience and pain in the backside of handling larger bulls and the facilities needed to do the job safely and stronger than ours so you don't have to repair corrals for the next three weeks. I'm Jeff Keane. Western Livestock Reporter 3/22/06