{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/65cbb3f2e2c7920016878adb/69d814cacdaa3e377c287fbb?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Raising the Bar: Miniature Cattle Bull Selection","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/65cbb3f2e2c7920016878adb/1775768750769-b5c87b21-81ab-4a20-b619-11b9e6445315.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>In this episode of the Lil Hooves Podcast, Kelly and Becky dive into one of the most important—and often overlooked—topics in the miniature cattle industry: bull quality.</p><p>The bull you choose doesn’t just impact one calf… it shapes your herd for years to come.</p><p>We talk through what true breeding quality really looks like, why standards matter, and how cutting corners—especially when it comes to unproven or low-quality bulls—can affect the future of the breed.</p><p>Drawing from both industry standards and real-world experience here in Montana, we break down how to make better breeding decisions that protect your program and strengthen your herd long-term.</p><p>In this episode, we cover:</p><ul><li>Why commercial cattle operations cull 50–80% of potential seed stock bulls—and why that matters</li><li>The risks of using pet-quality or subpar bulls in a breeding program</li><li>The difference between seed stock producers, breeding programs, and commercial operations</li><li>What to look for in a quality bull, including structure, soundness, and overall conformation</li><li>How EPDs and performance data can help guide better breeding decisions</li><li>The risks of selling or purchasing semen from unproven young bulls</li><li>Why not every breeder should be producing seed stock—and how to do it responsibly</li><li>The importance of honest feedback and integrity within the miniature cattle community</li></ul><p>If you’re raising miniature cattle or thinking about adding a bull to your program, this episode will help you take a step back, evaluate your goals, and make more informed decisions moving forward.</p><p>Resources &amp; Links:</p><ul><li><a href=\"https://cattlemax.com/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Cattle Max Breeding Data Software</a></li><li><a href=\"https://www.beefmagazine.com/cattle-breeding/2024-across-breed-epd-table-and-improvements\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Understanding EPDs in Beef Cattle</a></li><li>Connect with the hosts:</li><li>Kelly Anderson -&nbsp;<a href=\"https://facebook.com/xbar6miniaturecattle\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Facebook</a></li><li>Becky Wrong Way Kochicks -&nbsp;<a href=\"https://instagram.com/clearhazecattle\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Instagram</a></li><li><br></li></ul><p><em>Let's keep breeding responsibly and collectively improve the integrity of the miniature cattle industry!</em></p><p><br></p>","author_name":"Kelly Anderson"}