Commercial cattle producers: bull selection criteria

Abstract

A survey of 312 commercial cattle producers was conducted to determine the relative importance of selection criteria used in buying bulls. Calving ease was a major consideration of a high percentage of producers, and individual performance was being emphasized more than expected progeny differences (EPDs). Only 23% of the producers included EPDs in their first three selection criteria. Visual appraisal focused on structural soundness, length, and muscling.