Starter Packs
"Why you should run"
From the moment you start thinking about owning any bovine, ask yourself this, "Do I need, or Want, a BULL"?
The Visual notion of a couple of girls and a bull running around the place sounds, and may look great, the reality, in our opinion, is you have received bad advice from an irresponsible breeder which in turn should send alarm bells ringing in your head.
Why Irresponsible?, is the question often asked.
The answer to this has several categories, Need, Objectives, Practicalities & Budget!
Need: It is our firm belief that unless you own more than a dozen females, you do not need a bull. Much has been written about bull selection and what you should be looking for, with industry leaders agreeing that fewer than 5% of males born each year, display enough improved breed character to be kept as a stud/terminal sire. Bull selection is a personal one made by the breeder based on the traits and conformation perceived to being within the breed standard's. With that thought in mind, always request to see a breeders steers before viewing any possible bulls. By sighting steers, [culled bulls] you will get an understanding of the breeders breed standards and have an opportunity to discuss difference's. No steers, or a willingness to refer you to folk who have brought steers from them, run like hell, as this should send alarm bells ringing in your head to the possibility that this breeder sells balls, not bull's, hence, starter packs. Within most breeds you will find reputable breeders who discourage bull ownership instead offering to lease out their bulls for a fixed price & time period allowing you to introduce new genetics to your herd each year. Sixty days is the average time a bull is required with some breeder's offering a visiting cow program where your girl would visit a pre- selected bull on their property, an ideal option for smaller numbers or the introduction of new genetics.
Objectives: From the onset of considering bovine ownership, a decision needs to be made if you are wanting to breed your chosen animal or simply enjoy having them around?. As a breeder, you need to plan ahead for the demands of motherhood and the extra mouths that will want filling. If you farm to your winter carrying capacity, you would find you have excess growth through the spring/summer months which then gives you options. Bring in extra stock for a few months, sell as supplementary feed,[hay, baleage etc] or leave it to seed and build up the humic matter in your pasture. If it is your intention to have bovines as pets only, then stick with steers, females have the ability to attract the neighbours bull or endeavour to get to him!
Practicalities: Bull ownership has a higher level of responsibility with legal obligation's regarding his security. A well mannered bull will still look to be of assistance to your neighbours, indeed your districts, stock, invited or not. In NZ it is a legal requirement that neighbours be notified when you have a bull in a boundary paddock. Bulls annual working time is 60 days or less which leave's him eating valuable feed for the remainder of the year.
Budget: Without walking you through an accounts degree, a simple cost exercise on capital purchase and annual expenses against possible and projected savings/income should be considered. This evaluation, devoid of emotion, clearly highlights the negative cost's associated with Bull ownership.
Starter Packs are a breeders way of moving sub standard males onto unaware buyers for a higher value, not always just sub standard males I might add. Look around and select individual animals from various breeders if need be, simply avoid being talked into bull ownership.
