  BeefTalk:
Beef Production Equation Involves Bull, Cow Qualities
By Kris Ringwall, Extension Beef Specialist,
NDSU Extension Service
Imagine if all the breeding programs in the world were the same. There would
be less discussion about expected progeny differences (EPDs). There would be one
easy-to-use formula to create the next generation of beef cattle.
At this time of year there is a lot of talk about bull purchases and how to
use EPDs. What seems to get lost in the shuffle, however, is the power of the
cow. Producers rarely purchase cow herds, however cows provide the balance of
the equation. Complicated, complex and very dynamic are some apt cow
descriptors.
After several conversations in response to recent BeefTalk articles, I
realize the range in understanding beef genetics and appropriate interactions
with management is very broad. In the past, there was an "animal
breeder" or "animal geneticist," a person who studied, designed
and implemented animal breeding programs. In recent years, as is often the case,
people have shifted to classifying genetics through a number, ie, EPDs, and
assumed the term "breeder" was the artificial insemination (AI)
technician.
EPDs are useful and important tools but need to be kept in perspective. If I
pick up a screw driver, I do not become a mechanic. In the same vein, using EPDs
doesn’t make a person an animal breeder. Why? Welcome to the world of cows.
Beef cattle production is more than putting a bull in the pasture with cows.
There are many questions that need to be answered. What are your goals? How does
your cow herd fit?
I always smile when I hear people at a dispersion sale of a reputable cow
herd say, "If only I could buy those cows, I would be successful in the
cattle business." That’s not true because the cows are only the end
product of an animal breeder’s dream. Environment, time and strategy produced
that successful end product.
One producer’s dreams may not be your dreams. An outward response seldom
reveals the herd’s inward design. The same can be said for those producers who
produce bulls. Probably the most significant bull buying strategy is to know the
seller’s herd and production philosophy.
Another often-asked question, is "Should I travel a distance to so and
so’s herd to buy a bull?" Most likely not. Locally adapted bulls are
generally readily available and can certainly be verified through comparing EPDs.
Bulls of similar EPD values would be projected to have similar genetic impact
within your herd, plus local bulls will adapt more quickly to the new
environment. There truly is "no place like home."
The most important decision a commercial producer makes in selection is the
bull producer, not the bull. Does the bull producer have the kind of bulls that
will maximize production from your cows? Take time to get to know the producer’s
goals and merge them with your own.
One local producer notes, "Production records, EPDs and ultrasound data,
integrated with the integrity, knowledge and guidance of the buyer and seller,
are all required for a successful bull purchase." Through such efforts,
consistent production can be maintained, instead of a plan of peaks and valleys.
The typical cow herd has almost 15 years of genetic input within it. The bull
you purchased in 1990 probably still has daughters in production within your
herd today. Milk, longevity, fertility, maternal instinct, udder traits,
fleshing ability, soundness and maternal size are the ingredients the animal
breeder works with.
Although EPDs guide us for many of the traits, maintaining balance within a
herd and effective use of within breed and across breed heterosis (line breeding
and crossbreeding) are all very important for long term success and
profitability. The actual bull purchase and subsequent union with the cows
requires the need to read all the signs. Ask your local "animal
breeder."
May you find all your ear tags.
Your comments are always welcome at www.BeefTalk.com.
For more information, contact the North Dakota Beef Cattle Improvement
Association, 1133 State Avenue, Dickinson, ND 58601 or go to www.CHAPS2000.COM
on the Internet. In correspondence about this column, refer to BT0081.
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Source: Kris Ringwall, (701) 483-2427, kringwal@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Editor: Tom Jirik, (701) 231-9629, tjirik@ndsuext.nodak.edu
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