Challambi Charolais chase the red factor in third annual bull sale
The first DNA-tested non-diluter Charolais bull in Australia sold online in a helmsman-style auction during the weekend for the Challambi stud at Greg Greg, where dry conditions on the ground have taken hold.
The third annual bull sale attracted first-time clients and repeat bidders, selling 10 of 17 sires to average $5950 a head.
Challambi Upwood, 20 months, by Tri-N Captain Morgan from Tri-N Prairie Rose began life in Canada after Challambi bought the dam and flushed her to Captain Morgan, importing the frozen embryos to the stud property in the Snowy Valleys.
The non-diluter is certain to produce black or red calves when joined with an Angus female.
"There's only two of this DNA-tested type in Australia and we have kept the other one," said Challambi stud principal Nigel Spinks.
"We believe there is a future in dark red progeny out of cross-breeding programs using Charolais bulls."
The first-time buyer bought four lots to average $7500, including the red factor Challambi Unwyn for $6000 by Ow Lead Time from a Challambi Elsa female.
First time buyer Nicole Finney, via Toowoomba, Queensland, paid $6500 for the poll Challambi Uttam by red factor sire Challambi Sergeant.
Ms Finney came away with three lots to average $5000.
Ken Manton, Hansonville east of Wangaratta, Victoria, bought the red factor Challambi U Back for $5500.
An artificially inseminated sire by Pro-Char Diamondback from Glenlea Caarol 98th, he will go into an Angus herd to produce dark-coated muscled offspring.
Bulls sold as far as Echuca in South Australia and into the Queensland Downs.
The sale was hosted by QPL Livestock with bidding taking place on AuctionsPlus.
