Bull Buying/Selling Problems – A recipe for when more than the scrotum goes pear-shaped.

When the bull you have purchased is not doing the job, the critical question is who is responsible. In simple terms, if the problem was pre-existing, or is a consequence of a pre-existing condition, then the bull seller is liable. All other problems are the responsibility of the buyer (or insurer). Of course it is frequently not so simple. And while the issue of the bull liability is important, if no pregnancies are achieved, even a full replacement of the bull can often be the lesser of the loss incurred.

Preventing Breeder liable losses.

Bulls are bred, selected and grown for the purpose of siring 40 – 100+ calves per year for several years.

To achieve this goal they need to have good libido, be physically healthy, structurally sound and able to repeatedly perform natural service, generate good quality semen, and be free of venereal and genetic diseases. Unfortunately not all bulls achieve their potential and one study put the average bull use life at 2.4 years of siring duties.

On bull sale day breeders sell bulls, but also their reputations and so use a range of pre-sale examinations to try to avoid failures. The tests they use will vary according to their confidence of the tests to assist in preventing failures, confidence in the person carrying out the tests, and perceived importance placed on them by prospective bull buyers.

The Australian Veterinary Association, through the special interest group of cattle veterinarians recently released a national standardised bull reporting system appropriately named Bull Reporter. Veterinarians who use this programme undertake standardised testing procedures for various fertility traits which may include: physical and structural assessment, semen appraisal, sperm morphology, serving ability, disease prevention and detection. The tests selected are reported in a universal format, but importantly, the tests not conducted are also identified. This avoids confusion as to exactly what risks of failure have been assessed.

Buyers should be clear on what the breeder has and has not assessed to detect pre-existing problems. Breeders who provide clear written advice on their policy with regard to bull sales seldom have troublesome disputes, even when a bull fails. Many breed societies have adopted pre-sale assessments for society promoted sales, and revise these periodically. Buyers should be comfortable contacting breed societies to discuss bull sale issues, including feedback on what is important to them. Most sales are conducted by selling agents, who are also responsible for advertisements, and are also frequently agents for insurance.

Ask for clarification on terms such as “Vet Checked” and “Semen Tested”, “Vaccinated” etc If purchasing insurance on day of sale, check what pre-examinations may be required, as insurers frequently require a veterinary examination of some sort. Ask your vet about appropriate risk prevention in your region prior to bull purchases.

Look for the new Cattle Vets summary report in bull sale catalogues and advertisements this year.

Minimising Purchaser liable losses.

Even if all possible presale examinations are done, some bulls will still fail due to a variety of reasons including illnesses and accidents, and these are the responsibility of the purchaser. Insurance companies provide the opportunity to offset this risk. When purchasing bull insurance, it is most important to understand what is being covered.

Policies may be for mortality alone or may cover Loss of Use. Invariably the wording on claims for Loss of Use Policies require the bull to be “Totally and Permanently” infertile, and also that an identifiable event causing this loss has occurred during the period of the policy. Sometimes loss of bull use occurs that is not permanent, or not total, or has no identifiable event that may have caused the demise. This can be a dilemma for all concerned, since such a bull is clearly still useless for the purpose intended.

A pre-sale test showing the bull to be free of the impediment is very helpful for insurance claims with no discernable causal event. If you are concerned about the lack of risk aversion testing prior to purchase then have the bull(s) tested after taking delivery. Sometimes it is only when routine pregnancy testing is being done that a problem is detected, which may be some considerable time after the initial problem, and many months after bull purchase.

Some causes for loss are completely preventable, some easily treated, others expensive and time consuming, while many may only be detectable if promptly investigated. Check to ensure vaccination for Vibriosis. If multiple sire mating, ensure social compatibility of sire groups.

If transporting long distances be aware of possible fertility impacts. Observations such as disinterest in oestrus cows, clumsiness or inability to serve, excessive cows returning to service, lameness, swellings and general illness should be investigated promptly. Discuss the tests requested by your vet to diagnose the cause(s). In addition to a clinical exam, this may include serving, semen, sperm morphology, diagnostic laboratory tests and pregnancy testing of cows joined. Discuss all possible treatment options. Notify insurance Co (if applicable)

Keep accurate records (where possible, number and identity of cows, cows served and returned, cow condition score, dates joined, pregnancy test records, calving records, co-sires, treatments, vaccinations), and document communications with other parties e.g. vet, agent, breeder, and insurer.

Remember the Ingredients: Buyer(s), Breeder, Breed Societies, Agent(s), Vet(s), and Insurance Company

Critical preparation –

Never allow mixture to come to the boil, avoid prolonged simmering. Careful and prompt handling of all ingredients deliver best flavours and avoids bitterness. Not all ingredients are essential, but if used, be sure they are properly blended.

Acknowledgment: Thanks to members of the ACV for providing the information on this page.