Passionate about veld-reared cattle
Passionate about veld-reared cattle
As in any business, profitability is a key driver. If profit is the goal, then fertility is an important trait. Reproduction cannot take place until the cows’ own maintenance requirements have been met (and they are storing up energy reserves in the form of fat). Cows with low maintenance requirements will flesh up and be ready to breed earlier and more easily. Since fleshing ability and maintenance requirements are heritable, herds where these attributes have specifically been selected, are likely to be more fertile.
What is a bull really worth?
There are places where it makes sense to cut costs. Buying bulls isn’t one of them.
Bearing in mind that a bull provides 50% of the genetics of your calf crop, you cannot afford to use “cheap” bulls that do not match or advance your production goals. It is strategically far better (and cheaper in the long run) to invest in a higher priced bull that will ultimately contribute to improved or more efficient production. You need to know where you are going, else you won’t know when you’ve arrived (or even if you’re on the right path!)
