Sire Selection and Recommended Bull Lists 2024

As the breeding season approaches, it is now time to start thinking about your 2024 bull selection. It is important to select a team of bulls that suit your herd, whilst maximising the genetic benefits.

Replacement heifers should be bred from the highest EBI (Economic Breeding Index) cows in your herd. All other cows should be bred to beef. Like using the EBI, the sub-index needs to be examined within the DBI (Dairy Beef Index) and a balanced bull should be selected. Bulls with similar DBI can result in very different calves and greatly affect commercial beef values. An easy calving bull is desired, but also a bull with good carcass performance to ensure calf quality.

It's crucial to breed calves that can be easily sold next spring. Sales all over the country indicate that it's harder to sell beef calves of lower quality.

Top Tips For Selecting Sires

For example, see table below where there are bulls with similar DBI, similar Beef Sub Index and similar calving difficulty, but varied carcass weight potential. Beef sires selected should have positive beef traits.