Which Bull Is Right for Autumn Calving? A Guide to Choosing the Best Genetics

Selecting the right bull is one of the most important decisions you can make when planning an autumn calving programme.

The genetics you choose today will influence your herd for years to come, affecting fertility, calving ease, milk production, longevity and overall profitability.

With so many sires available, it's easy to focus on a single figure or breeding index. However, the best bull isn't necessarily the highest-ranked one - it's the one that best fits your herd's breeding goals.

Start With Your Herd's Objectives

Before selecting a sire, ask yourself:

• What improvements do I want to make?

• Which cows need correcting?

• What traits will have the biggest impact on profitability?

Your breeding objectives may include:

• Better fertility

• Easier calvings

• Higher milk solids

• Improved udder health

• Stronger feet and legs

• Longer-lasting cows

• Better beef value from dairy calves

Having clear objectives makes sire selection far more effective.

Prioritise Calving Ease

Autumn is a busy time on many farms, making smooth, trouble-free calvings especially valuable. Choosing sires with strong calving ease can help:

• Reduce assisted calvings

• Improve calf survival

• Get cows back into production sooner

• Reduce stress on both cows and staff

This is particularly important when breeding maiden heifers.

Don't Chase One Number

While breeding indexes provide valuable information, they shouldn't be your only consideration. Instead, look at the complete genetic profile, including:

• Fertility

• Longevity

• Somatic Cell Count

• Daughter lifespan

• Feet and leg traits

• Udder conformation

• Production traits

A balanced bull often delivers better long-term results than one that excels in just a single area.

Match Bulls to Individual Cows

The best breeding programmes use different sires across the herd rather than relying on one bull for every animal. Consider each cow's strengths and weaknesses and choose genetics that complement her.

For example:

• Improve fertility where it's lacking.

• Add strength to lighter cows.

• Improve udders where needed.

• Select easy-calving sires for heifers.

• Use beef sires strategically on suitable cows.

This targeted approach accelerates genetic improvement across the herd.

Speak to the Experts

At JMC Genetics, we understand that every herd is different. Our team works closely with farmers to recommend genetics that align with their breeding goals, helping build healthier, more productive and more profitable herds.

Whether you're looking to improve fertility, milk quality, calving ease or beef-on-dairy performance, we can help you choose the right genetics for your farm.

Start Planning Your Autumn Breeding Programme

Now is the ideal time to review your breeding strategy and select the right sires for the season ahead. Our latest August Sire Directory features a wide range of proven dairy and beef genetics to help you make informed breeding decisions. Browse the new directory or contact the JMC Genetics team today to discuss the best genetics for your herd.