Australian Braford Society

21 hours ago

It's Friday! and that can only mean one thing - 𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐃 𝐅𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐀𝐘!

This Fridays Topic is:
𝑹𝒆𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝑺𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔

Bull selection plays a critical role in the productivity, profitability and genetic direction of a beef herd. A single bull can influence the performance of dozens, sometimes hundreds of calves, making reproductive soundness just as important as structure, temperament and visual appeal. Selecting a bull that is physically capable, fertile and healthy, helps maximise the joining success, improves conception rates and reduces the risk of empty cows, late calving and lost income.

𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀
Reproductive health is a key driver of herd fertility and overall profitability. A bull must be physically capable of mating, produce viable semen and remain sound for the duration of the joining period. Issues such as testicular abnormalities, poor semen quality, injury, lameness or illness can significantly reduce a bull’s ability to get cows in calf, often without obvious signs until pregnancy rates drop. Because a single bull can be responsible for a large number of pregnancies, any reduction in his reproductive performance can lead to empty cows, extended calving patterns and lost production. Ensuring bulls are reproductively healthy before joining helps maximise conception rates, supports a more compact calving window and reduces the risk of unexpected fertility problems during the breeding season.

𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸𝘀 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗜𝘁
While many bulls with solid conformation and no obvious problems will have sound semen, getting a veterinary Bull Breeding Soundness Evaluation (BBSE) adds confidence. A BBSE checks physical condition, testicular size and health and sperm quality. Even a semen test (when done) gives greater confidence in the bull’s ability to deliver healthy sperm. Poor semen quality can directly reduce conception rates, especially in single-sire mating groups.

𝗦𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘀
Minimum scrotal circumference is important, around 32–34 cm for many breeds and aiming a little higher is wise, especially if you’re breeding replacement heifers. Bulls with larger scrotal size are linked to earlier puberty and better fertility in daughters. The testicles should also feel firm and springy, with no lumps or abnormalities.

𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝘂𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝘂𝗹𝗹𝘀?
When you buy or sell bulls, consider service records, soundness checks and breeding values like BREEDPLAN EBVs (which help predict genetic traits). These tools take some of the guesswork out of bull selection.

Strong bulls help build strong herds so take the time to assess them properly!

#brafordfundamentalfriday #brafordstrong #brafordcattle #australianbrafords ... See MoreSee Less

Australian Braford Society

2 days ago

Vale – Lorraine Veronica Knauth

It is with great sadness that we advise of the passing of Lorraine Knauth.

On behalf of the Braford Society, we extend our sincere condolences to Craig Knauth and family during this difficult time.

A service to celebrate Lorraine’s life will be held at St Patrick’s Cathedral, 123 Neil Street, Toowoomba, on Friday 13 February 2026, commencing at 12:00pm for those who would like to attend.

Our thoughts are with the Knauth family and loved ones. ❤️ ... See MoreSee Less

Australian Braford Society

7 days ago

Elite Braford Heifer sale Gayndah Showgrounds 21 March 2026 starting 10.30am. ... See MoreSee Less

Australian Braford Society

7 days ago

Back into it for 2026 with first sale Black Stump Bull sale, Blackall on 17th March, 2026.

We will offer 4 young poll bulls and leading our team is a Registered Bull, MCN B2455, at just 2 yr old and one of the last sons we have to offer by Baroma Downs Ringo out of Mountain Valley Shamrock 107. He has a lovely nature, tremendous length, tidy underline and amazing weight for age. #Blackstumpbullsale #Australianbraford ... See MoreSee Less

Australian Braford Society

1 week ago

𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲 | 𝗔𝗜 𝗦𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀

Fundamental Friday from the Braford Office is an informational segment designed to share clear, practical guidance on key topics relevant to Braford breeders whether that be in the office itself, out in the field or in the DNA lab.

Let’s talk about:
𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒓𝒆𝒒𝒖𝒊𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝑩𝒓𝒂𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒅 𝒃𝒖𝒍𝒍 𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒔 𝒂𝒏 𝑨𝑰 𝒔𝒊𝒓𝒆?

To be listed and approved as an AI sire, the following requirements must be completed:

☑️ A SNP Profile
☑️Pompes testing completed
☑️Application for AI Approved Sire submitted for Board approval - Form here 👉 tinyurl.com/6utsmjak
☑️A completed AI Authorisation Certificate - Form here 👉 tinyurl.com/37e89wac
☑️Applicable fees paid

These requirements help maintain breed integrity and provide confidence to breeders using approved Braford AI sires.

👍 Top Tips:
🧬Where possible, consider parentage verification and testing for additional genetic conditions beyond the minimum requirements. This demonstrates credibility and provides added assurance to those investing in your genetics.

🧬If you already have semen straws in storage, check the DNA profile you currently have. Older MIP technology can’t be compared to the new SNP technology when verifying sire or dam to progeny. This can cause problems, especially with older semen. Do your reputation a favor, upgrade your bull’s DNA profile from MIP to SNP.

If you require further information or assistance, please contact the Braford Office.

admin@braford.org.au | 02 6773 3130 | braford.org.au/

#australianbrafords #brafordstrong #brafordfundamentalfriday #brafordcattle ... See MoreSee Less

Australian Braford Society

1 week ago

📣 𝗟𝗔𝗦𝗧 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦 📣

Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your stud or business to a targeted industry audience.

If you’ve been considering advertising in the 2026 Journal, bookings will be closing soon.

👉 Make sure you secure your spot here: tinyurl.com/ykupkeed

Be part of this year’s publication and put your stud or business in front of fellow breeders and industry supporters.

⏰ Bookings close Friday 30 January so get in quick!

#australianbraford #brafordstrong #journal ... See MoreSee Less