My new Shorthorn herd sire

[Go Green]

I'm kind of excited about him. I plan to test for TH and DS in the near future but i dont have any TH or PHA carrier cows in my herd so im not hugely concerned. I AIed everything this year so he is strictly clean up. I do 7 day CIDR timed AI then turn the bull loose 2 weeks later. Last year all calves (10) were born in a 4 week window. Shorthorn folks, what do you think of him?

 

[oakview]

I personally would have tested him before I bought the bull, but to each his own.  $100 spent before purchase is a good investment in my opinion. 

 

[Go Green]

In full transparency he was part of a herd reduction auction sale, there were 3 bulls and he was my 2nd choice so i didnt research his pedigree before the auction. I didnt think (not sure why) TH carriers could be registered as purebreds, just plus's. I was disappointed  when i got his papers. $100.00 seems like a lot for a test, does that include membership to the Shorthorn assn?

 

[oakview]

According to the latest fee schedule I have, TH, PHA, and DS testing is $48 if done as a group.  You can add parentage testing for $35.  The whole gamut of testing runs $125.  I buy things on the spur of the moment occasionally, too.  My wife used to yell at me, but now just shakes her head. 

 

[aj]

The perception is that the shorthorn plus is where all the club calf genetic defect crap goes into.

 

[jaimiediamond]

Honestly I would think the test would be a very good investment for your knowledge and peace of mind. I personally won’t buy a sire who isn’t tested free of all known defects as a herd bull has so much influence on my program.

 

[Go Green]

I agree. I will be getting him tested. He came from a grass-fed beef program so i was shocked when i saw his pedigree that they would use a carrier bull.The point of the post was that i think he's pretty sharp but with all the focus on him being a potential carrier maybe i'm barn blind.