3 Tips for Bull Sales - A Sellers Guide

With calving season underway for many ranchers in the United States, it’s almost time to start planning for bull sales. Bull sales are a crucial part of the cattle industry, and play a major role in the continued improvement of cattle genetics across the country. For sellers, preparation centers around ensuring that their animals are in the best condition possible to attract buyers, and ultimately, close sales. 

The success of a bull sale depends on several factors, including the animal's body condition, breeding soundness, and performance records. In this article, Redd Summit shares our three best tips for bull sales that sellers should keep in mind to maximize their success this coming breeding season. 

1. Pay Attention to Body Condition and Nutrition

Body condition and nutrition are critical factors that can affect the value and appeal of a bull. Before selling the animal, sellers must ensure that it is in good body condition by paying careful attention to their nutrition plans. Going into breeding season, a bull cannot be too thin or too fat. 

If a bull is underweight or malnourished, it will not perform well during breeding season and will struggle to meet its energy requirements to cover your ground and maintain its stamina. Bulls can lose between 100-200 lbs during breeding season, so a bull that is too thin at the start is at a major disadvantage. On the other hand, if a bull is overweight or obese, it may have reduced fertility or difficulty mounting cows, which also impacts its value. 

Sellers should work closely with their veterinarian and nutritionist if possible to ensure that their bulls are in optimal body condition and receiving proper nutrition before placing them for sale.

2. Have a Breeding Soundness Exam (BSE) Done

A breeding soundness exam (BSE) is a thorough evaluation of a bull's reproductive system, including its semen quality, libido, and physical soundness. It's an important step in preparing a bull for sale as it helps identify any potential reproductive issues that may impact its value and performance.

During a BSE, a veterinarian will examine the bull's testicles, penis, and prepuce, evaluate its libido and mating ability, and collect a semen sample for analysis. The semen analysis helps determine the bull's fertility potential, including its sperm count, motility, and morphology.

If a bull fails a BSE, a seller may need to consider remedial measures or even withdraw the bull from the sale. On the other hand, a passing BSE result can increase the bull's value and appeal to buyers, as it provides reassurance that the animal is fertile and capable of siring healthy calves.

3. Have Performance Records Complete and Ready

Performance records provide buyers with valuable information about a bull's genetic potential, including its growth rate, weight, and other transferable traits. They are necessary for buyers looking to select bulls that can improve their herd in specific ways to increase their productivity and profitability.

Sellers should have complete and accurate performance records for their bulls ready for buyers to review. These records should include the bull's birth date, birth weight, weaning weight, yearling weight, and any other relevant performance data and information. 

Having complete performance records can help outline a bull's genetic potential, making it more appealing to buyers. It also demonstrates the seller's commitment to breeding quality cattle, which can help build trust and establish a long-term relationship with buyers.

Conclusion

Bull sales are an essential aspect of the cattle industry, and sellers should ensure that their animals are in the best condition possible to attract buyers. Paying attention to body condition and nutrition, having a breeding soundness exam (BSE) done, and having complete and accurate performance records are crucial steps in preparing for a successful bull sale. 

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