An essential part of the bull selection process is to evaluate the dam of the bull you’re considering.
- Study her calving record (calves on time every year)
- Make sure she has a good, functional udder
- She must be feminine and maternal
- She needs to be easy-fleshing and full-bodied
- Temperament is not just a convenience trait; it’s a profit trait
- Skeletal structure and foot quality are essential for longevity
The dam is responsible for 50% of the bull’s nuclear DNA and 100% of the bull’s mitochondrial DNA. Fetal programming and epigenetic changes occur in utero. This makes the environment in the womb essential and 100% the influence of the dam.
The quality of colostrum at birth determines an animal’s vitality for the rest of its life. This is 100% the dam’s influence. The dam also educates the calf up to the point of weaning.
Therefore, the sire/dam influence on an animal is not 50/50 as some maintain. I’d estimate it is closer to 65/35 in favor of the dam. Progressive breeders have long understood the value of cow families. We are just beginning to understand why.
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