Why Bull Genetics Matter — Especially in Your Dairy Herd
- Natasha Chadwick
- 2 days ago
- 1 min read
When a bull mates with heifers, he’s not just breeding calves — he’s shaping the future of the herd. His genetics directly influence the next generation, so he needs to be better than the best heifer on the property. That’s why selecting the right bull is one of the most important decisions a farmer can make.
It’s essential to buy from a reputable breeder, like us at Riverton Ezicalve Herefords, who understands the bull’s full genetic background — who his dam was, how many live calves she produced, her growth performance, fertility, and temperament. The sire’s genetics should give clear indicators of calving ease, calf survival, overall health, carcass quality, feed conversion efficiency, and more.
Experienced breeders often spend weeks carefully considering their bull selections. They avoid general sale yards in favour of private sales from trusted herds. They’re willing to travel significant distances to find young, high-quality bulls with no genetic ties to existing cows. One poor decision can set a breeding program back by years — the cost of getting it wrong is simply too high.
Temperament is another key consideration. A herd bull should never be aggressive or rough with cows. Bulls with a calm, respectful nature help maintain a low-stress environment, which contributes to better cow welfare and ultimately, better calves. A “gentleman” bull is not just preferable — he’s essential.
