WITH BULL sale season upon us, Quality Meat Scotland has produced a guide on bull selection and management to assist farmers when purchasing new bulls.

The free guide includes the latest information about what to look for before purchasing a bull, and offers commercial farmers the chance to learn more about Estimated Breeding Values and how they can be used to select the right bull for their farms.

'A Guide to Bull Selection and Management', collated with support from SAC Consulting, provides beef farmers with an easy-to-access reference on selecting a bull using EBVs as well as a reminder of what to look for when undertaking a visual inspection. It also includes sections on bull management, housing and post-purchase nutrition.

QMS head of industry development Douglas Bell said: "Getting more out of a bull, whether this means more calves per lifetime or more value from these calves, can help increase the bottom line.

"This guide takes readers through what to look for when selecting a bull, depending on whether it is being bought to support a system producing store cattle, finished cattle or to breed heifer replacements. It will help any farmer looking to invest in a new bull."

The guide also contains case studies from beef producers around Scotland describing how they manage their bulls to maximise herd performance. To get a free copy of the guide, contact QMS on 0131 472 4040.

It is also available to download from the QMS website http://ow.ly/QCYC304lgO4