Semen Tested Breeding Bull Auction

[Son of Butch]

90+ head of semen tested bulls from 6 different breeds sold yesterday
yearlings $1550 - $3500
high sale was a 2 yr old registered black angus bull for $3800 he tested excellent 90%

Odd things happen at auctions, a group of 3 commercial black angus yearling bulls weighing 3100 lbs in the ring
all 3 passed semen test given 48 hours before the sale and were rated good 70%
Selling choice
1st bull chosen was the largest of the 3 weighing 1130 lbs but he sold for just $1550
2nd bull brought $1950 wt 1050
last bull chosen 920 lbs $1800
(obviously 1st buyer should be happy and consignor probably a little bit ticked off)

Making it even odder about 10 bulls before this group sold
a commercial black angus bull weighing 1180 lbs with semen test of fair 60% sold for $2,000

How much weight do you put on semen testing?
Is getting a barely passing grade as a yearling on semen test a deal breaker or no big deal?

 

[branguscowgirl]

It all depends on how they tested them. Virgin bulls that young, could have a lot of dead old floaters in there, if only tested once. Sometimes after getting them cleaned out and testing a second time a week or two later, they will improve considerably.

Also they can be decreased due to age, and improve when they are more mature. OR get worse. It just depends on what the issue was under the microscope......

If the bull can be bought for slaughter price, you won"t be out much taking a chance and retesting later.