BULL WALK
Wednesday 30 July 2025
1.30pm to 3.30pm
on-property at "Eastern Plains", Guyra, NSW
Please join us for a pre-sale inspection
of our Bull Sale Team
Bull selection can be the single, most powerful tool for genetic improvement in your herd. Since they will supply half of the genetics to all the calves they sire, the genetic influence of the bulls you introduce is far reaching, across generations. Importantly, it will impact on your profitability for many years to come.
So, it is vital you have OBJECTIVE INFORMATION about the fertility, health status, structure/conformation, pedigree & genetic merit of a bull when you buy him out of a sale ring.
Above all, it is OBJECTIVE INFORMATION which will enable you to make better informed breeding decisions. It will enable you to select bulls best suited to your program & environment who will actually breed on to produce progeny to increase your profit.
Not the glossy photo's &/or video of fat, sappy bulls with captions like “depth & consistency”, “slick coated” & “easy doing” commonplace in the advertising hype of the bull selling season!
And .... a bull need not be the heaviest or highest priced bull on offer, to be the one best suited to your environment & program. "Best suited to your environment & program" is the key to a bull breeding progeny to improve your profitability, not his price or sale day weight!
This is the premise behind our bull testing regime; to provide independent, quantified, OBJECTIVE INFORMATION describing as accurately as possible the breeding functionality of our bulls & the genetic potential they offer their progeny.
We are one of only a few Angus seedstock producers to put their draft of sale bulls through such an extensive pre-sale testing regime. Notably, we are one of even fewer Angus seedstock producers who include all this OBJECTIVE INFORMATION in our Bull Sale Catalogue.
(1)
BULLCHECK™
In general, fertility in an individual bull will have a greater impact on your profit than fertility in an individual cow. This is because one bull can be used to breed up to 40 females via natural service. So poor reproductive performance in your female herd brought about by infertility &/or subfertility in a bull will prove expensive.
This is why we believe it is so important, as both a buyer & as a seedstock producer, to have an objective assessment of a bull’s fertility before he steps into a sale ring.
BULLCHECKTM is an objective assessment of bull fertility according to defined & documented standards across set components. It has been developed by Australian Cattle Veterinarians (ACV) for this specific purpose & is conducted by a qualified veterinarian accredited with ACV, part of the Australian Veterinary Association Limited.
BULLCHECKTM sets out clear, concise methods & guidelines for vets to assess bulls according to these standards. It objectively substantiates a bull has a high probability of being fertile at the time of examination & the foreseeable future, save any unforeseen adverse events, injury or disease. It is founded on Australian research, peer reviewed literature & extensive in-field experience of Australian veterinarians. It is the 'gold card' - the highest possible standard currently available - for an objective fertility measurement of a bull's reproductive soundness that is transparent & consistent, no matter the breed.
What components are included in our pre-sale BULLCHECKTM testing?
- Scrotal circumference measurement in cm – to determine if above the minimum circumference according to age, weight & breed, plus a visual appraisal & palpation to assess scrotal body, shape & testicular tone, symmetry & evenness of testes, check for the presence of recognised conditions of the testes/scrotum.
- Physical examination of the bull & reproductive tract - foot & leg conformation, gait, leg joints, head (e.g. undershot/overshot jaw, lumpy jaw), inspection & evaluation of the penis, prepuce & sheath for the presence of infections, warts or injury, assessment of sheath depth, umbilicus & preputial eversion, palpation of internal sex gland via rectal entry for irregularities & infections, assessment to ensure the penis can be extruded, examination of the penis in the extended position.
- Sperm Motility - see below
- Sperm Morphology - see bleow
Our experience has been that few bulls are found to be completely sterile. Whilst bulls who repeatedly fail BULLCHEKTM may not necessarily be sterile, they can at least be accurately described as having reduced &/or low fertility at that point in time.
It could be that if given time, these bulls may ‘regain’ their fertility to test compliant to BULLCHECKTM standards. However, until such time, which may be indeterminate, that bull really has no place in a sale ring.
We're proud of our commitment to assessing Bull Fertility prior to them entering our sale ring!
2025 will be the 19th consecutive year, in which we offer Angus Bulls pre-sale tested according to BULLCHECK™ standards at our on-property Bull Sale.
CLICK HERE for more in-depth detail about BULLCHECKTM (published by Australian Cattle Veterinarians).
(2) SPERM MOTILITY
A crush side test for sperm quantity & its ability to move forward. At only about 60µm long, sperm cells need to be motile to get the job done! Often referred to as a ‘crush side’ semen test, following collection of a semen sample, a drop is placed on a microscope slide & examined, 'crush side', to assess the percentage of live sperm cells moving forward.
A threshold guide for acceptable minimum Sperm Motility is >30% progressively motile sperm.
However, we set a higher benchmark & only those bulls testing ≥50% progressively motile sperm in their semen sample make our Bull Sale Catalogue. Look for the BULLCHECK™ logo in our Bull Sale Catalogue to see Sperm Motility test results for each Lot.
(3) SPERM MORPHOLOGY
We are one of a select few Angus studs who pre-sale test & report Sperm Morphology results in our Bull Sale Catalogue.
Morphology of the sperm is the anatomy or structure of individual sperm cells. It is not the same as Sperm Motility & we urge buyers not to confuse the two.
Sperm Morphology CANNOT be tested 'crush side'. It requires a large, expensive & specialised laboratory microscope to examine individual sperm in a preserved semen sample to assess the head, tail & mid-piece.
Why would you care about Sperm Morphology?
Sperm Morphology testing will ‘weed out’ those bulls who are the true loser’s when it comes to fertility, which crush side Sperm Motility testing on its own will not.
Sperm Morphology is a heritable trait, genetically related to the interval from calving to first oestrus cycle in females. Australian research has consistently shown Sperm Morphology to be positively associated with either pregnancy rate or calf output in beef breeding bulls.
Bulls who repeatedly fail to meet minimum standards for Sperm Morphology are at worst infertile, & at best, sub-fertile. Though sub-fertile bulls may still sire calves, they'll likely be costly, late calves because their subfertility can produce a non-viable embryo so the female fails to conceive on that cycle. Not her fault, but this forces the female/s into the next joining cycle. It is difficult for her to then break out of this late calving cycle, increasing her chances of PTE in a subsequent joining. If you’re multiple-sire joining, it can be almost impossible to identify sub-fertile bulls as others in the joining team may cover for them. This exposes those fertile bulls to a greater risk of injury & thus more cost to you.
At least 100 sperm are assessed in the preserved semen sample to test Sperm Morphology to BULLCHECKTM standards. Abnormalities in the sperm are categorised according to the anatomical site of defects - ie whether the defect is present in the head, tail &/or mid-piece. Defects are classed as compensable or non-compensable. Defects are considered compensable if they can be compensated for by increased sperm numbers. Non-compensable defects cannot be compensated for by the addition of more sperm because though these sperm can fertilize eggs, the eggs are not viable.
Minimum ACV standards in Australia for Sperm Morphology are:-
- Up to 30% of sperm in a semen sample with compensable defects is acceptable.
- Up to 20% of sperm in a semen sample with non-compensable defects is acceptable.
- Normal Sperm - in addition to the tolerance levels for sperm in a semen sample with compensable & non-compensable defects, BULLCHECKTM sets a minimum requirement for the presence of normal sperm:-
(a) >70% normal sperm for bulls used in single sire matings or AI
(b) >50% normal sperm for bulls used in multiple sire matings
Look for the BULLCHECK™ logo in our Bull Sale Catalogue to see test results for each Lot.
(4) BEEF CLASS STRUCTURAL ASSESSMENT SYSTEM
Structural problems impact negatively on both the reproductive & growth performance in your beef herd. It is widely recognised that structural problems in bulls have detrimental effects on conception rates, calving patterns & thus profitability. Similarly, females with inadequate structural characteristics are more prone to weaning lighter calves or conceiving later in the breeding season than their more functional counterparts. These structural problems filter through the beef supply chain, reducing income & productivity for the producer, backgrounder, feedlot etc.
Prior to cataloguing, Eastern Plains Angus Sale Bulls have been independently structurally assessed by Liam Cardile, LRC Livestock, using the Beef Class Structural Assessment System. Bulls deemed inadequate are culled from the sale draft & sold for slaughter.
Liam is an experienced assessor, & structurally assesses many leading seedstock herds in Australia. He is not involved in any genetic marketing or specific breeding advice/consultancy, so there is no conflict of interest to influence his stock appraisal. The merit & integrity of the structural data provided by Liam & LRC Livestock is recognised throughout the seedstock industry as being truly & fully independent.
Look for raw Structural Scores along with those for Temperament & Muscle Score in the Lot details for each bull in our Bull Sale Catalogue.
Click here for more info on Beef Class Structural Assessment.
(5) RECESSIVE GENETIC CONDITIONS
The genetic status for recessive genetic conditions AM, CA, NH & DD is identified in our Bull Sale Catalogue - look for "GENETIC STATUS:" in the Lot Details for each bull.
The genetic status for recessive genetic conditions is identified for animals as "Free", "Carrier", "Free Untested", "% Carrier" or "Affected" - eg DDF, DDC, DDFU, DD50%, DDA
For up-to-date & the most current information about recessive genetic conditions please visit Angus Australia.
We actively manage our stud herd for these conditions using DNA testing & pedigree information.
(6) PESTIVIRUS
All bulls catalogued for our Bull Sale are ear notch tested negative for Pestivirus.
Pestivirus (also known as BVDV) commonly causes (but not limited to) abortion, reduced fertility, stunted calves + a period of immune suppression which can lead to calf scours, pneumonia and other diseases. It is spread by contact with infected animals & especially Persistently Infected (PI) animals (i.e. 'carrier' animals).
A PI bull, though it may exhibit no outward symptoms at all, present fat & sappy on sale day,& live a long & productive life, will shed & spread Pestivirus in all its’ bodily fluids all its’ life. It is worth noting, there have been EKKA Grand Champion winners that have later been verified persistently infected with Pestivirus!
Vaccinating a PI bull will not cure it, nor prevent it from spreading Pestivirus.
An ear notch test is the best means of identifying PI bulls. Minimise your Pestivirus risk by purchasing bulls that have ear notch tested PI negative.
In addition to having been ear notch tested PI negative, all our sale bulls have been vaccinated with Pestigard™ which will protect the bull should it come into future contact with Pestivirus (which can commonly occur during transit). We recommend an annual booster vaccination program for your bull.
To avoid ambiguity & confusion, specific mention that bulls have been PI tested + vaccinated with Pestigard™, including vaccination dates, should be printed in all bull sale catalogues, whatever the breed. Don't settle for a verbal assurance by a seedstock vendor, but look for this specific information in print in a bull sale catalogue to minimise Pestivirus risks.
In our Eastern Plains Angus Bull Sale Catalgue, you will find this information appears in print on the HEALTH INFORMATION pages, as well as on the page displaying the BULL TESTING CERTIFICATION provided by our veterinarian, Dr Leisa Brown, Guyra District Vet Services.
(7) VETERINARY HEALTH
All bulls catalogued for our Bull Sale have been vaccinated with Vibrovax, Pestigard, 7in1, Bovi-Shield MH-One, single dose Rhinogard IBR intra nasal spray + treated with worm drench (Dectomax pour-on) & Selovin LA.
(8) JOHNES BEEF ASSURANCE SCORE
J-BAS8 - Eastern Plains Angus has a Johne's Beef Assurance Score 8. This is the highest level of assurance in Australia.
This means bull's are free to travel into all States.
We have been testing & monitoring for Bovine Johne's Disease since 1998 & are one of the original seedstock herds who have been part of the National scheme since this time. We continue our involvement under the guidance of Dr Leisa Brown, Guyra District Veterinary Services, who is accredited with Australian Cattle Veterinarians.
(9) EUROPEAN UNION ACCREDITATION SCHEME
Eastern Plains is an EU accredited herd.
(10) PERFORMANCE & PEDIGREE RECORDED WITH ANGUS AUSTRALIA
Our stud Angus herd is fully performance recorded & registered with Angus Australia & the TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation (TACE), formerly Angus BREEDPLAN.
Since the inception of formal performance recording of Angus cattle, now known as TACE, we have routinely submitted raw data measurements for the calculation of Estimated Breeding Values (EBV's).
This includes birth weight & date, calving ease scores, 200D, 400D & 600D weights, scrotal size, ultrasound scan data for rib & rump fat, eye muscle area & IMF (marbling), AI & natural joining dates used to calculate gestation length & days to calving EBV's, mature cow weights, mature cow heights, mature cow body condition scores, coat type scores, docility scores & structural scores.
We are one of just a few Angus seedstock herds to record & report this high-quality, comprehensive raw data to TACE on a routine basis across our entire registered Angus herd. Ultimately this supports more informed breeding decisions for both our clients & our own breeding program.
Genomics testing has been conducted on all sale bulls via DNA Hair Sample to give Genomically Enhanced EBV's.
Look for 'Traits Observed' in a bull sale catalogue to get a gauge on just how much raw performance data has been collected on individual bulls as well as whether genomics has been conducted. The more Traits Observed the better. You may be surprised (or disappointed?!?) to learn how little or how much raw data has actually been submitted for some drafts of sale bulls!!
Our long held practice of consistent & extensive raw data submission, plus Genomics, ensures EBV's for our Sale Bulls have higher accuracies.
Importantly this means EBV's more truly reflect the genetic merit of that bull & more reliably predict the performance of his progeny.
Buyers can be confident Eastern Plains Angus bulls are fully registered, are backed by actual extensive raw data collection, Genomics & formal performance recording.
Additionally, all bulls in our Bull Sale Catalogue are identified as SIRE ASSURED meaning the bull has been DNA verified to his Sire, denoted by the superscript SV at the end of this name. This provides buyers with peace of mind that the bull's sire is as printed in our Bull Sale Catalogue.
(11) TICK FEVER VACCINE
All bulls have been vaccinated for Tick Fever with trivalent (3 germ) vaccine.
2025 Bull Sale - Reference Sires
Our 2025 Eastern Plains Angus Bull Sale will feature sons of the following Reference Sires. We take a 'team' approach when selecting sires to use in our program with consideration for both phenotype & genotype.
Above all, we avoid selecting sires for their performance in one single trait, no matter how 'on trend' & popular that trait may be.
We reference & give particular emphasis to Estimated Breeding Values (EBV's) in our selection decisions when choosing sires for use in both our Stud & Commercial herds.
We look for sires with a balance of fertility, structural soundness, calving ease, growth & carcase traits. Whilst individual sires may be stronger or weaker in some traits compared to others, across the 'team' of sires, we try to maintain this balance. We select too, for moderation in these traits when choosing sires for use in our program.
Because we breed all our replacement females in both our stud & commercial herds, we are ever mindful that the heifers we breed, our future breeders, are the counterpart of producing high growth steers. Selecting sires to produce sound, low maintenance & fertile daughters is an important aspect of our stud program.
We well appreciate the purchase of your Eastern Plains Angus Bull/s represents a significant financial outlay. The contribution he goes on to make to your breeding operation is very obviously dependent on his state of health. We hope these articles may be of assistance in relocating your newly purchased Eastern Plains Angus Bull/s to a new home. Please click on title below:-
Management Strategies for Relocation of Angus Bulls into Northern Australia
Bovine Ephemeral Fever (3 day sickness)
Guidelines for using Angus Bulls in QLD
Guidelines for using Angus Bulls in northern Western Australia
Guidelines for using Angus Bulls in the Northern Territory
Bull Preparation & Presentation
What we do:-
Ideally, we aim to present our 2 year old Angus bulls in a weight range of approx. 730kgs to 830kgs on Sale Day. They’re presented in ready-to-work, strong forward condition in order to withstand the rigours of adjusting to their new home environment & joining; all ahead of them after Sale Day.
Their physical functionality & agility is important if they're to do their job properly. We feel preparing Angus bulls to more moderate weights on Sale Day best enables them to do exactly this.
Our bulls are weaned onto improved pasture alongside their commercial contemporaries in March each year. They are NOT supplemented or grown out on crop following weaning.
We cannot see the benefit of producing Angus bulls that require grazing onto crop &/or supplementary feeding following weaning in order for them to grow & mature.
Bulls are run altogether in the one group during the period following weaning until the start of our stud & commercial joining programs in September each year.
At the commencement of our joining period we select those yearling Angus bulls who will be used as part of our Spring joining program. These bulls receive no extra supplementation etc prior to their joining gig. They are literally selected from the mob one day & are put out with females the next.
At the conclusion of joining, those bulls used in our joining program are then run together in the one mob, whilst the remaining bulls continue running together in another mob. They remain separated forever more, as we find the bulls fight & scrap if re-mobbed. Both mobs of bulls continue to graze improved pasture & are not supplemented or run on a summer grazing crop.
We introduce supplementary feeding of our Sale Bulls at approx. 12 weeks out from Sale Day in early May. This entails feeding a dry feed pellet, initially on alternate days of the week. Intakes of dry feed pellets are gradually increased until the bulls are consuming a max of approx 1% of their bodyweight daily, reaching this level by late June. Hay is also made available to the bulls on an ad-lib basis during this period.
What we don't do:-
We make the deliberate decision not to present bulls overly fat on Sale Day .
The negative effects of over feeding on a bull's fertility, long-term structural soundness & breeding longevity are well documented.
It is far more likely that a draft of 2 year old Angus bulls averaging close to 900kgs on Sale Day with some weighing in excess of 1000kgs, is due more to the feed program they have "enjoyed" since weaning (sometimes prior to weaning too), rather than their "explosive growth" or that they are "easy doing" etc.
If it requires weaning onto crop &/or supplementation, & then yet another crop + further supplementation in order to prepare them for sale, there can be little credibility in the claim that those bulls are 'low maintenance' or 'easy doing' or 'raised under commercial conditions'. That this may be a widespread practice in the seedstock industry makes it no more credible; it simply makes it commonplace!
We urge buyers to be mindful not to confuse fat for muscle. The report "Breeding for Profit" published by QDPI sums this sentiment up nicely:-
“Fat, particularly subcutaneous fat, can often deceive many a bull buyer into thinking a bull is well muscled when he is actually poorly muscled but well fed”.
Excessive Sale Day weights hinder the ability of an Angus bull to adapt & cope with working under commercial conditions; walking long distances to forage, water & serve females. Most will experience rapid & dramatic weight loss under true commercial conditions.
Quite apart from the direct effect of over feeding on fertility, this dramatic weight loss in itself can also have negative consequences for a bulls fertility from which they can often struggle to recover.
Our management & sale preparation program is focused on growing bulls more slowly & 'naturally', & especially without the expense of continual supplementation & crop. Our experience has been that this style of management works to benefit us all; you the buyer, us as the vendor, the bulls themselves & the cows/heifers they're joined to.
Ultimately we're in the business of selling ANGUS GENETICS NOT A FEED PROGRAM!
Bull Presentation:-
It is commonplace for Angus Bulls to be presented washed & clipped in photo's & on Sale Day. However we urge buyers to be wary!
It can be easy to mistake a clipped, washed bull for one who is naturally slick coated on Sale Day only to discover that in time, he is one of the more hairy.
So we do not wash or clip bulls for Sale Day (or for photos).
This ensures a true & more accurate representation of each bulls natural Coat Type, as well as the variation in Coat Type between bulls, is on display on Sale Day (& in photos).
If Coat Type is a component of your bull selection criteria, you can be confident that at our Bull Sale, ‘what you see is what you get’.
Additionally, we score & submit raw Coat Type scores to TACE at the same time as recording 400 Day weights on bulls & heifers. For our 2025 Bull Sale Team this was done early September 2024, prior to our Spring joining program.
These raw Coat Type scores form part of the data set from which Coat Type Research Breeding Values (RBV’s) are calculated for these animals - RBV’s are EBV’s in development. Once a Coat Type EBV is available for Angus animals, buyers will be able to more reliably & accurately select bulls for genetic merit in this trait whether presented clipped or unclipped.
