Breeder Bucks
Judging from the flurry of activity at the Deerfarmer.com Classified Ads buying season must be upon us. Deer and elk farmers who have been in the business for some time have developed an instinct based on their experiences for purchasing of breeding animals. For the rest of us, it is one scary thought, especially if you are about to part with a significant amount of your hard earned cash.
Because the deer and elk industry is so new, it does not have the same established rules and guidelines as do other livestock industries.
For example, here are some of the challenges facing buyers of breeder bucks/bulls and does/cows.
1. No standards of conformation or body characteristics; we do not know what the perfect breeding animal looks like - at least not yet!
2. Inadequate and incomplete genetic history records. Remember that many of these animals came from the wild only a few generations ago.
3. Record keeping and data definitions vary greatly; the industry (except in New Zealand) has not yet produced EPD (Expected Progeny Differences) to provide a statistical guide for purchases.
4. Differing state, provincial and country requirements for testing and movement of animals makes it difficult to purchase quality breeding animals from other jurisdictions. Some provinces such as Alberta prohibit the importation of deer and elk altogether (although this is currently under review).
5. Shortage of quality breeding stock may increase pressure for quick sales. The market for quality breeding animals seems to be strong with many deer farmers reporting that they sell out quickly.
In addition to these challenges, several other issues have arisen that buyers should be aware of.
These include:
Deer Buck
1. The influence of feed and nutrition on antler development. If the antlers of a breeder buck are in any significant portion due to nutrition rather than heredity, then this animal is unlikely to have the genetic qualities to pass on this trait. How is a buyer going to know the difference?
2. Concerns are arising with both deer and elk about the use of hormones to increase antler development - deer on steroids. If you are buying an animal for their antler traits, use of hormones and/or chemicals could be problematic.
3. It is fairly common that deer are sold in advance (often a year or more) and paid for in full. This is great for the cash-flow of the seller but a poor investment for the buyer. His money is tied up for a long period of time without earning any interest. There are risks with this method of buying as well. I am aware of at least one case where a buyer purchased and paid for a buck and several does. Unfortunately the seller died in an accident before the deer could be transferred. The buyer was not able to get the deer, nor a refund from the estate and lost a substantial amount of cash.
So what’s a buyer to do? Here are some tips to reduce your risks.
The best thing you can do is deal with an established and reputable deer/elk farmer. Ask around for recommendations.
After you have selected a few possible sellers, here are some things you should do.
1. Visit the farm and see how it presents itself. If it is a mess, the deer and their records are probably too. Find out how long the farm has been in business. Find out whether they are active members of the local deer/elk association.
2. Get at least 2 generations of genetic history on the animals you are interested in. If it is a buck, be sure it has bred in the past (you don’t want to buy one that is sterile). Find out who has bought the fawns so you can track their progress.
3. Ask for names and phone number of previous buyers. Call them and ask detailed questions about the quality of animals and the service.
4. Find out how the animals have been raised, and how often they have been handled. Bottle-raised animals are much easier to handle and may be better suited for the beginning farmer.
5. Inquire as to vaccinations, testing and other health practices, especially those that may affect antler growth or the quality of the meat.
Brock Deer
6. Determine what the feeding program has been. You will want to continue with a similar program to avoid health problems from sudden changes.
7. Check the animals that you want to buy carefully? Do they look healthy? Any signs of disease or other problems? When was
Buying breeding stock the last time they were tested for TB?
If you are not getting satisfactory answers to the above questions, then you may have to look around some more. Be sure you are comfortable doing business with this individual.
If you are, then you need to find out the following:
1. Does the seller have an agreement for sale?
2. Is a deposit required, and is it non-refundable? When is the full payment due? What are the options for payment? If full pre-payment is required, is the money held in trust? What happens to the deposit/payment, if for whatever reason, the animals cannot be delivered as agreed upon?
3. If you are buying unborn animals, do you have the option to take the “pick of the litter”? What options do you have if you do not like any of the animals that are born to a particular doe or cow? What proof is there that the young is really from the doe you paid for, and not a substitute? Are substitutes of equal value permitted?
4. What guarantees or warrantees does the seller offer on these animals?
5. Does the seller deliver - if yes, is there an additional charge? Do you pick up? Can the animals be transported without tranquilization? What happens if I cannot pick up or take delivery on a specific date? Are there boarding fees until pick-up or delivery?
6. What happens if the animal gets sick or dies within days of arriving at my farm?
7. Is the seller available for “after-sales support”? Can you call on him/her if you have any questions? Reputable dealers will go out of their way to make sure your are satisfied with your purchase and buying experience. After all, they want your repeat business and also want you to give them a positive referral to others.
Always use a sales contract. Know the terms of the contract to avoid innocent misunderstandings later.
Fallow Deer
The contract should have at least the following:
- date of sale
- seller’s farm number or registration
- seller’s name and address
- buyer’ name and address, phone
- deer registration number or official id or DNA profile
- pedigree and pictures if available
- health history
- delivery or pick-up date
- guarantees or warrantees
- amount of purchase
- deposit required/made
- other terms and conditions of the sale.
Finally, once you are established, follow these guidelines when you are selling breeding stock. Be absolutely honest, ethical and customer-focused and you will do well
