Genetics-based guidelines to buying a bull at an auction
The days of buying bulls based purely on their functional appearance are over. While functional efficiency is important, it is also crucial that the buyer does his or her homework regarding the genetic potential and merit of the bulls prior to the auction so as to be able to make an informed decision on the day of the auction.
Auction catalogues are, however, not always easy to interpret and can be challenging for commercial and stud breeders during the auction amidst a lot of activity going on and no time to waste between the lots on auction.
If breeders are knowledgeable regarding the interpretation of best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) values, which depict an animal’s genetic potential, it can be a huge advantage in helping them meet their breeding objectives much quicker.
It needs to be asked whether breeders really understand these figures and
