A Kansas State University beef cattle expert encourages producers to carefully consider key factors when selecting bulls, as it impacts herd health, calf quality, and overall performance. Emma Briggs, a specialist at K-State’s Western Kansas Research-Extension Center, emphasizes that a well-chosen bull boosts fertility, growth, and genetic progress, enhancing feed efficiency, carcass quality, and maternal traits. 

“Establishing clear breeding and marketing goals is the first step,” Briggs said. “Knowing whether you’re keeping replacement heifers or marketing all calves at weaning helps define the traits you should focus on.” 

Genetic tools like Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) offer valuable guidance in bull selection, but not all EPDs are equally important.

“If you’re keeping replacement females, you’ll want to prioritize maternal traits like calving ease and milk production,” Briggs said. “If your focus is the feedlot, then growth and carcass traits will be more relevant.” 

Briggs stressed the importance of selecting bulls based on economically significant EPDs for long-term herd performance. While genetics are vital, physical soundness is equally important, as EPDs don’t guarantee structural integrity, which impacts breeding efficiency and longevity. Bulls with poor conformation may cause market discounts, making visual evaluation crucial.

Briggs also emphasized the value of crossbreeding, which improves the longevity, fertility, and productivity of crossbred cows. Breed complementarity plays a role, with British breeds contributing carcass quality and Continental breeds offering growth and lean yield. Careful bull selection, EPDs, phenotype evaluation, and crossbreeding lead to a more productive, efficient herd.