An outstanding homozygous poll Limousin bull set a new stud record of $29,000 at Mandayen’s 11th annual sale on Wednesday last week at Keith.

The two year old apricot coloured bull Mandayen King K6 was in the top five per cent of the breed for 11 Breedplan production traits, including top 1pc for growth traits, scrotal size and carcase weight. He attracted strong Australia-wide pre-sale interest with his capacity and eye appeal.

The ET-bred bull had a wonderful pedigree, being a son of American super sire Hunt Mr Jock 44J and from elite donor female Ramornie Abigail U2. Stud principal Damian Gommers said the 920-kilogram bull had been the “stand-out from day dot”, with its overall volume, depth and softness. “Jock is the best Limousin bull we have used and this is its best son,” he said.

Spence Dix & Co auctioneer Jono Spence described King as a “breed changer” before accepting an opening bid of $15,000.

The stud had intended to retain a 50pc semen and marketing interest, but as the price went beyond $25,000 it was announced the semen marketing rights would be included.

Phil and Barbara Bricknell, King Creek Limousins, Currabubula, NSW, were the successful buyers at $29,000. The Bricknells have bred Limousins for almost 30 years and while they have used Mandayen genetics in the past, this was their first physical sire from the stud.

“He is close to the perfect bull for us for our requirements,” Mr Bricknell said. “It is always a toss of the coin how they will breed, but the strength and consistency of breeding is there.”

Two bulls from the same exciting flush as Mandayen’s $29,000 sale topper flush also turned plenty of heads at the sale.

Lot 4 Mandayen Mr Jock K10 sold to John Rodd, Tamworth, NSW, buying on behalf of Red Rock Limousins, Yarrowitch, NSW, for the sale’s second-highest price of $16,000. It was also pushing 900 kilograms and in the top 5 per cent of the breed for 11 production traits.

Mandayen Mr Jock K4, a black poll bull also sold to Romball, St Arnaud, Vic, for $12,000.

The first draft of bulls from American outcross sire Wulfs Zander X921Z also shone with their shape and muscle. A stand-out was spring 2014 drop lot 43, which sold for $15,000 to Rosewood Limousins, Myamyn, Vic.

In the latter half of the catalogue there was plenty of good buying, with nine bulls making $4500 or less.

Vendors Damian and Mandy Gommers posted their highest average ever of $7384, a lift of $2280 on 2015 cementing their reputation as a leading Limousin stud.

In the breakdown, they sold 49 of 54 Limousins offered, averaging $7602.

Demand was more subdued for the seven Lim-Flex bulls offered, with three selling to $4000, av $3833.

Bids flew from throughout the sale ring with buyers from five states, including as far afield as Dalby, Qld.

Mr Gommers said they were “very happy” with the sale, especially the large number of new clients among the 69 registered bidders. “At the end of the day we knew a lot of our regular clients didn’t need bulls this year so there was some anxious moments,” he said.

Spence Dix & Co auctioneer Jono Spence said the sale went as he expected many sales for the season, higher prices but difficulty achieving high clearance rate. “It was nice to see many high selling bulls go to prominent studs which are recognising the Mandayen genetics for docility, softness and their extremely polled pedigrees.”