Saving Money with Bulls

Producers interested in Irish Black and Irish Red genetics may be surprised to realize the monumental benefits this breed has to offer in terms of fertility traits. Not only do females mature and reach puberty at a younger age, but they also have a short gestation of 277 days.

What’s more, Irish Black and Irish Red bulls are known for having large scrotal circumferences and high fertility, which allows a two-year old mature bull to cover 70-75 cows during the breeding season. With the added benefit of longevity, these bulls are proficient breeders that will stay in production for years to come.

Putting a pencil to paper, the cost benefit of these proficient breeders is incredible!

The following bull cost analysis developed by Lisa Hendrickson with Diamond H Livestock, compares the average purchase price, feed costs, vet costs, etc. of an Angus bull compared to an Irish Black bull. The resulting data clearly demonstrates the potential cost savings and return on investment when purchasing Irish Black genetics.

Tom and Cheri VanSoelen recently presented the information to Irish Black Cattle Association members from Colorado. According to the VanSoelens, “Looking at these calculations, Irish Black Bulls should be priced at $14,445 each ($65.66 cost of Angus bull X 220 Cows bred) to equal what Montana Angus bull producers are receiving for their purebred bull product. And, if you calculated the Irish Black Bull at 6 years of work, his price should be up over $21,000 when he replaces an Angus bull!

These calculations do NOT include:

1. Longevity of bull performance. Here, cost per cow drops even more with IB Bull working - 5 years = $24.36, 6 years = $20.89
2. Value of uniformity in calves at sale time.
3. Weaning weight averages increasing for herd.
4. Fast maturity and fast finish.
5. Value of replacements.
6. Fertility of percentage females when held or sold as replacements.
7. Mothering ability of percentage females when held or sold as replacements.

At Long Pines Land & Livestock, we have seen these proficient breeders and have benefited tremendously from the Irish Black bulls who cover more cows and remain productive in the herd longer than your typical Angus bull can.

The investment of a herd bull is critical for the success of the operation. Cheap genetics ultimately end up costing producers more in the long run when considering maintenance costs, number of cows covered and frequency of replacement.

Simply stated, an Irish Black bull can cover more than double the cows that an Angus bull can, which means fewer sires in your bull battery. Plus, these bulls stay on the job longer, which is a greater return on your investment.