Here are a few things to consider to help you select the right bulls for your herd and ensure they’re in top health:  

The bull sale catalogues will be in mailboxes and online now. Take your time to read up about the stud breeder you’re looking at and make sure they are focused on the same things you need from your cows. It’s a good time to give them a call to discuss their philosophy and how they go about running their stock.    

You’ll find lots of numbers in the catalogues about the animals for sale. If this is all gobbledygook to you, then ask the stud owner to explain it to you, or come in and have a chat with one of our vets. There are likely only a couple of numbers in there that you need to focus on, so work out which ones they are and go from there.   

Check on the BVD (Bovine Viral Diarrhoea) status of the bulls. They MUST be BVD blood tested AND vaccinated (two shots). This information should be in the catalogue, but if not, just ask. This will prevent you bringing in an infected animal, and the vaccine will prevent your cows from giving BVD to the bull and causing illness or infertility for the mating period.    

Be very aware of clostridial diseases too. Ensure all your boys on the farm are covered with a clostridial vaccine (preferably a 10-in-1). The cost of the vaccine is nothing compared to your investment and also the health of the rest of your cattle – fattening, replacement, breeding, etc. All of them can be susceptible to a clostridial death and that is a huge waste when we have such useful vaccines available.  

Finally, consider selenium and copper for the bulls. You may need to supplement them when you get them home so they’re in optimal health come mating time.