At Flying H Genetics, we adhere to a high set of standards for all of our animals, not only for our own satisfaction but for that of each of our clients. That’s why all bulls must meet nine separate standards before they are sold. These high standards ensure that Flying H Genetics only sells top-of-the-line animals that have kept customers happy for generations. Let’s take a closer look at the nine standards every bull at Flying H Genetics must meet.
Calving Ease
Each animal is scored on a scale of one to five for calving ease at birth. That score and the Calving Ease EPD is utilized to maintain the calving ease genetics necessary for Flying H to guarantee the calving ease on every bull we sell. Since no one buys dead calves, we consider calving ease a primary trait–placing a tremendous amount of selection pressure on calving ease.
Birth Weight
While a bull’s birth weight does not always translate to the size of his subsequent calves, this is still an important metric for potential buyers. Flying H Genetics keeps detailed and accurate records so buyers can pick the perfect animal for their program. In 2016 we utilized Genomically Enhanced EPD’s to more accurately identify an animal’s true genetics for birth weight. This increases our confidence in and accuracy of guaranteeing calving ease better than ever.
Weaning Weight
The average bull from Flying H Genetics weighs 650 pounds just 205 days after birth, with many weighing in at more than 700 pounds. This is without the aid of creep feeding and we maintain a minimum standard of 550 pounds for all bulls—even heifer bulls. We get paid by the pounds so adequate growth is important.
Weaning/Yearling Hip Height
This tool helps quantify growth and mature size and is a good indicator for how large the animal will grow. We strive for the perfect balance, with cattle frames averaging between 5 and 6.
Yearling Weight
At Flying H Genetics, each yearling bull must weigh at least 1,000 pounds, with the emphasis on muscle and not fat. Again, we get paid by the pound, and real pounds cost less than fat pounds.
Weight Per Day of Age
By adding length, depth and thickness rather than height, Flying H Genetics animals can add weight without sacrificing calving ease or getting too big. We know you get paid by the pound, so we strive to make sure you get the right-kind-of-pounds.
Yearling Scrotal
This measurement is an indicator trait for the age of puberty of a bull’s daughters and indicates his ability to produce and store semen. We require a minimum of 32 centimeters – 2 centimeters more than the industry standard. We know more than 90 percent of our customers keep heifers, early puberty of bulls and females is an important part of a profitable cow herd.
Yearling Pelvic
Another important metric, the yearling pelvic measurement is important as bulls pass this trait along to their daughters. Pelvic size also needs to be considered for your prebreeding exam on your replacement heifers as larger pelvic sizes lead to easier births.
Breeding Soundness Exam
Flying H Genetics only sells bulls after they have passed a Veterinarians Breeding Soundness Exam. This test looks at motility, morphology, reproductive tract examinations and more to ensure that every bull’s semen is high quality and customers get only the best we have to offer.
Our standards don’t stop with bulls, as we also have a set of standards both bulls and their dams. Flying H has a total of 17 Quality Standards that both the bull and his mother have to pass before they are considered good enough to become Flying H Genetics Quality Guaranteed Bulls or Females.
Check back for more on our bull and dam standards in the next blog!
For more information on Flying H Genetics and our full range of available seed stock, call us today at 308-962-6500.
