The worth of a bovine male supposed for breeding can fluctuate considerably primarily based on a number of components. These embrace breed, age, lineage, bodily traits, and supposed use (e.g., breeding, rodeo, or displaying). A younger, unproven bull from a typical breed is likely to be obtained for a number of thousand {dollars}, whereas a prize-winning animal with a champion pedigree can command tens of hundreds, or much more. Geographic location and present market demand additionally affect the ultimate buy worth.
Understanding bovine pricing is important for anybody coming into the cattle business. Precisely budgeting for livestock acquisition allows potential ranchers and breeders to make knowledgeable choices and allocate assets successfully. Historic pricing developments supply precious insights into market fluctuations and potential future projections. This data can contribute to a extra worthwhile and sustainable agricultural operation.
The next sections will delve deeper into the particular components impacting pricing, providing sensible steering for navigating the complexities of livestock valuation and procurement.
1. Breed
Breed is a main determinant of a bull’s worth. Completely different breeds possess various traits, equivalent to progress fee, meat high quality, illness resistance, and temperament, which immediately affect their market worth. Breed choice is an important consideration for cattle producers, balancing desired traits with budgetary constraints.
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Angus
Angus cattle are identified for his or her high-quality marbling and carcass yield. Their reputation and established fame typically lead to larger costs in comparison with different beef breeds. The demand for Angus genetics contributes considerably to the premium positioned on Angus bulls.
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Hereford
Herefords, acknowledged for his or her hardiness and flexibility to varied climates, are sometimes a extra economical selection. Whereas typically cheaper than Angus, Herefords with superior genetics and confirmed efficiency can nonetheless command substantial costs.
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Brahman
Brahman cattle excel in warmth tolerance and illness resistance, making them well-suited for tropical and subtropical areas. Their specialised adaptation influences their market worth, notably in areas the place these traits are extremely valued.
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Unique or Crossbreeds
Unique and crossbred bulls supply a mix of traits, probably combining the strengths of various breeds. Pricing is determined by the particular cross and the perceived worth of the mixed traits. Knowledge-backed efficiency information can considerably affect the value of those animals.
The chosen breed displays particular manufacturing targets and market calls for. Whereas some breeds command inherently larger costs because of established demand, particular person animal traits inside any breed can considerably influence the ultimate value. Cautious consideration of breed traits in relation to manufacturing targets and market situations is essential for sound monetary decision-making in cattle operations.
2. Age
A bull’s age considerably influences its market worth. Youthful bulls characterize an funding in future breeding potential, whereas older, confirmed bulls supply fast breeding capability however a shorter productive lifespan. Balancing the price of a younger bull towards the fast utility of a mature animal is an important determination for livestock producers.
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Yearling Bulls (1-2 years)
Yearling bulls characterize the entry level within the breeding bull market. They provide the longest potential breeding lifespan however lack a confirmed monitor document. Their worth displays this stability of potential and uncertainty. Whereas typically probably the most reasonably priced choice, their buy requires cautious analysis of pedigree and conformation to foretell future efficiency.
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Mature Bulls (2-5 years)
Mature bulls on this age vary typically characterize the height stability of breeding potential and confirmed efficiency. They’ve a documented breeding historical past, permitting patrons to evaluate fertility and offspring high quality. This data-backed evaluation contributes to the next worth level than yearlings, reflecting lowered threat and fast breeding capability.
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Older Bulls (5+ years)
Older bulls supply intensive breeding expertise however a shorter remaining productive lifespan. Their worth sometimes displays this restricted future potential. Whereas probably cheaper than prime-age bulls, buying an older bull carries the next threat of declining fertility or well being points, impacting long-term breeding packages.
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Components Affecting Value inside Age Teams
Even inside particular age teams, varied components affect the ultimate value. These components embody present information, progeny efficiency information, and general well being. A prize-winning yearling bull will command a premium in comparison with different yearlings. Equally, a mature bull with a confirmed monitor document of manufacturing high-quality offspring might be costlier than one with common progeny.
The age of a bull is a important determinant of its value, reflecting the stability between potential and confirmed efficiency. Cautious evaluation of age, alongside different components equivalent to breed and lineage, is important for knowledgeable buying choices and efficient administration of breeding packages. Understanding the pricing dynamics associated to a bull’s age permits producers to align buying choices with their particular breeding targets and budgetary constraints.
3. Lineage/Pedigree
A bull’s lineage and pedigree documentation considerably affect its worth. Pedigree information present detailed details about an animal’s ancestry, providing insights into its potential genetic contribution to future generations. This documented historical past permits breeders to evaluate the chance of fascinating traits being handed on, impacting the perceived worth and subsequent market worth of the bull.
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Genetic Benefit Predictions (EPDs)
Anticipated Progeny Variations (EPDs) are calculated predictions of an animal’s genetic benefit for particular traits, equivalent to start weight, weaning weight, yearling weight, and carcass traits. EPDs are primarily based on the efficiency of the animal’s kin and supply precious insights for breeders. Bulls with superior EPDs for fascinating traits command larger costs, reflecting their potential to enhance herd genetics.
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Ancestor Efficiency
The efficiency information of a bull’s ancestors, together with mother and father, grandparents, and additional again, contribute considerably to its worth. Constant excessive efficiency throughout generations strengthens the chance of fascinating traits being handed down, rising the bull’s market worth. Documented proof of champions or prize-winning ancestors additional enhances a bull’s pedigree and justifies the next price ticket.
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Linebreeding and Inbreeding
Linebreeding, the follow of mating carefully associated people, can focus fascinating traits but in addition carries the chance of amplifying undesirable recessive genes. Inbreeding, a extra intensive type of linebreeding, carries larger dangers. The extent of linebreeding or inbreeding inside a pedigree influences a bull’s worth, with reasonable linebreeding probably rising worth because of trait focus, whereas extreme inbreeding can lower worth because of elevated threat of genetic defects.
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Documentation and Registration
Full and correct pedigree documentation from respected breed associations is important for establishing a bull’s worth. Registered animals with verified pedigrees command larger costs as a result of elevated confidence within the accuracy of their lineage info. Lack of correct documentation can considerably diminish a bull’s market worth, no matter its precise genetic benefit.
Lineage and pedigree are important components affecting a bull’s worth. Detailed pedigree info, together with EPDs, ancestor efficiency, and documented lineage, supplies precious insights right into a bull’s genetic potential. This info permits breeders to make knowledgeable choices about deciding on breeding inventory that aligns with their herd enchancment targets and justifies the funding in superior genetics. Thorough pedigree evaluation is important for maximizing the return on funding in breeding animals and contributes considerably to the long-term success of a cattle operation.
4. Well being and Conformation
A bull’s well being and conformation immediately influence its breeding soundness, longevity, and general efficiency, considerably influencing its market worth. Investing in a bull with sound well being and fascinating conformation is essential for maximizing breeding effectivity and minimizing long-term prices related to well being points or lowered fertility.
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Structural Soundness
Structural soundness encompasses correct skeletal construction, together with leg and toes conformation. A bull with good structural soundness is much less liable to lameness and mobility points, making certain its capability to successfully serve cows all through its breeding life. Lameness can considerably impair a bull’s breeding efficiency, lowering its worth. Sturdy, straight legs, well-formed hooves, and proper joint angles contribute to a bull’s longevity and breeding effectivity, rising its market worth.
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Reproductive Well being
Reproductive soundness is paramount for a breeding bull. This consists of wholesome testes, a well-developed scrotum, and a historical past of regular semen high quality. A breeding soundness examination (BSE) by a professional veterinarian assesses these features. A bull with documented reproductive soundness instructions a premium, as fertility immediately interprets to the success of a breeding program. Infertility or subfertility considerably reduces a bull’s worth, probably rendering it unsuitable for breeding functions.
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Physique Situation and Muscling
Correct physique situation and sufficient muscling are indicative of a bull’s general well being and dietary standing. Extreme fats deposits can impair breeding efficiency, whereas insufficient muscling could point out underlying well being points. A well-muscled bull in reasonable physique situation is usually most well-liked, reflecting its capability to take care of well being and vigor all through the breeding season. Consumers assess physique situation and muscling to gauge a bull’s health and potential breeding efficiency, influencing their willingness to speculate.
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Illness and Parasite Resistance
A bull’s historical past of illness and parasite resistance is a big issue influencing its worth. Documented vaccination information and well being certificates present assurance to potential patrons. A bull with a clear well being document and demonstrated resistance to widespread illnesses and parasites is extra prone to stay wholesome and productive, maximizing its worth. A historical past of recurring well being points reduces a bull’s market attraction and lowers its worth, reflecting the elevated threat of future well being issues and potential therapy prices.
Well being and conformation are integral components figuring out a bull’s worth. A wholesome, well-conformed bull represents a sound funding, promising optimum breeding efficiency and longevity. Cautious analysis of structural soundness, reproductive well being, physique situation, and illness resistance is important for making knowledgeable buying choices that contribute to the long-term success and profitability of a cattle operation. Ignoring these features may end up in buying a bull with hidden well being points, probably resulting in important monetary losses because of lowered breeding effectivity, veterinary bills, and untimely culling.
5. Breeding Soundness
Breeding soundness is a important determinant of a bull’s worth and performs a pivotal position within the general profitability of a cattle operation. A bull’s capability to persistently impregnate cows immediately impacts herd productiveness and the financial viability of the enterprise. Infertility or subfertility can result in important monetary losses because of prolonged calving intervals, lowered calf crops, and elevated culling charges. Subsequently, assessing breeding soundness is an important step in bull choice and considerably influences the value patrons are prepared to pay.
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Bodily Examination
An intensive bodily examination is the inspiration of breeding soundness analysis. This evaluation encompasses an analysis of the bull’s general well being, physique situation, and structural soundness, with explicit emphasis on the reproductive tract. Examination of the testes, scrotum, and penis helps determine any bodily abnormalities that might impair fertility. Scrotal circumference is a key indicator of sperm manufacturing capability. Any bodily defects or abnormalities detected throughout the examination can considerably cut back a bull’s worth, reflecting the elevated threat of reproductive failure.
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Semen Analysis
Semen analysis supplies essential insights right into a bull’s fertility potential. Microscopic evaluation of semen samples assesses sperm motility, morphology (form and construction), and focus. Excessive-quality semen, characterised by numerous motile and usually formed sperm, is important for profitable fertilization. Poor semen high quality considerably diminishes a bull’s breeding potential and reduces its market worth. A bull with persistently poor semen high quality could also be unsuitable for breeding functions, no matter its different fascinating traits.
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Serving Capability and Libido
A bull’s serving capability, referring to its capability to efficiently breed a number of cows inside a given interval, is an important issue affecting its worth. Libido, the bull’s willingness to mate, is equally vital. A bull with excessive libido and confirmed serving capability is extra precious, notably in giant herds the place a single bull is anticipated to breed quite a few cows. Low libido or restricted serving capability can compromise breeding effectivity and negatively influence a bull’s market worth.
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Breeding Soundness Examination (BSE)
A complete breeding soundness examination (BSE) performed by a professional veterinarian integrates the above elements right into a standardized evaluation of a bull’s fertility potential. A BSE supplies a precious software for patrons to evaluate the breeding soundness of a possible buy. A passable BSE score will increase a bull’s market worth, offering assurance to patrons about its reproductive functionality. A bull with an unsatisfactory BSE score can have a considerably decrease worth, reflecting the elevated threat of breeding failures and potential monetary losses related to infertility.
Breeding soundness is immediately correlated with a bull’s worth. A bull with demonstrated breeding soundness instructions a premium, reflecting its potential to contribute to profitable herd replica and general profitability. Conversely, a bull with questionable or compromised breeding soundness has a diminished market worth, no matter its different constructive attributes. Investing in a bull with documented breeding soundness is an important step in making certain the reproductive success of a cattle operation and maximizing the return on funding in breeding inventory.
6. Market Demand
Market demand exerts a big affect on bull pricing. Fluctuations in demand, pushed by varied financial and agricultural components, immediately influence the costs breeders can command for his or her animals. Sturdy demand for particular breeds or genetic traits typically interprets to larger costs, whereas weak demand can depress market values, even for high-quality animals. Understanding market dynamics is essential for each patrons and sellers to make knowledgeable choices and optimize their investments.
A number of components contribute to shifts in market demand. Adjustments in client preferences for particular beef traits, equivalent to marbling or tenderness, affect the demand for breeds identified to supply these qualities. Financial situations, each home and worldwide, play a big position. A powerful financial system typically results in elevated beef consumption, driving up demand for breeding inventory. Conversely, financial downturns can depress demand and decrease costs. Illness outbreaks or modifications in commerce insurance policies can even disrupt market stability and influence bull valuation. For instance, elevated demand for leaner beef could favor breeds identified for producing lean carcasses, driving up their costs, whereas breeds perceived as producing higher-fat beef could expertise a lower in demand and corresponding worth changes. Equally, if a selected breed demonstrates elevated resistance to a prevalent illness, demand for that breed could surge, main to cost will increase.
Navigating market fluctuations requires cautious evaluation of present developments and projections. Breeders should adapt their breeding methods to align with market calls for, specializing in producing animals with traits presently in favor. Consumers must assess market situations and think about the long-term implications of buying choices. Overpaying for a bull throughout a interval of peak demand can negatively influence profitability, whereas recognizing undervalued animals in a depressed market can supply important funding alternatives. Understanding market demand is important for knowledgeable decision-making within the cattle business, impacting each the profitability of breeding operations and the success of livestock procurement methods.
7. Geographic Location
Geographic location considerably influences bull costs because of a number of interconnected components. Transportation prices characterize a considerable portion of the general buy worth, particularly for long-distance shipments. Regional variations in breed reputation and market demand additionally contribute to cost variations. Areas with excessive concentrations of particular breeds typically expertise decrease costs because of elevated provide and lowered transportation prices inside the area. Conversely, areas with restricted availability of a selected breed might even see inflated costs because of elevated demand and better transportation bills. For instance, a Hereford bull is likely to be costlier in a area the place Angus genetics predominate, reflecting each the shortage of Herefords and the added value of transporting them from a area with the next Hereford inhabitants. Equally, transportation prices from distant areas to central livestock markets can add a big premium to a bull’s worth, no matter its breed or particular person qualities.
Weather conditions and regional forage availability additional contribute to regional worth variations. Breeds tailored to particular climates or forage sorts are sometimes extra precious in these areas. A heat-tolerant Brahman bull, as an illustration, instructions the next worth in a tropical area in comparison with a temperate local weather the place its warmth tolerance provides much less benefit. Conversely, a bull bred for environment friendly forage utilization in arid situations could also be extra precious in a drought-prone area than in an space with considerable pasture. Native illness prevalence and biosecurity laws additionally affect bull costs. Areas with stricter illness management measures or larger illness incidence might even see elevated costs for bulls with documented well being certifications or resistance to prevalent illnesses, reflecting the added worth of illness mitigation and lowered threat of introducing pathogens. Consumers in these areas prioritize illness resistance and verifiable well being information, driving up costs for bulls assembly these standards.
Understanding the influence of geographic location on bull pricing is essential for strategic livestock procurement. Sourcing bulls regionally can reduce transportation prices, whereas contemplating regional breed preferences and market situations can optimize buying choices. Evaluating a bull’s suitability for the particular local weather and forage assets of the goal location ensures optimum efficiency and return on funding. Consciousness of regional illness prevalence and biosecurity protocols permits for knowledgeable choice and mitigates the chance of introducing or spreading illnesses. By contemplating these geographic components, livestock producers could make knowledgeable choices that stability acquisition prices with the long-term productiveness and profitability of their operations. Ignoring geographic influences can result in suboptimal purchases, probably impacting herd efficiency and rising operational bills.
8. Meant Use
A bull’s supposed use considerably impacts its market worth. The precise goal for which a bull is purchasedwhether for purebred breeding, business crossbreeding, rodeo, or showinginfluences the traits valued by potential patrons and, consequently, the value they’re prepared to pay. A bull destined for a prestigious breeding program, emphasizing particular genetic traits, instructions the next worth than a bull supposed solely for producing crossbred market calves. Equally, bulls chosen for rodeo or present occasions are evaluated on totally different standards, equivalent to temperament, athleticism, and aesthetic qualities, which influence their valuation otherwise than breeding traits. As an example, a bull with distinctive conformation and a confirmed pedigree, supreme for producing show-quality offspring, would possibly command a considerable premium in comparison with a bull with related breeding soundness however much less spectacular bodily attributes supposed for business breeding. Conversely, a bull with confirmed efficiency in rodeo occasions, demonstrating fascinating traits like pace and agility, is likely to be extremely valued inside the rodeo neighborhood however much less so by breeders targeted on carcass traits or milk manufacturing.
The financial implications of supposed use are substantial. Investing in a bull particularly suited to its supposed goal optimizes useful resource allocation and maximizes returns. A business breeder targeted on producing market calves prioritizes traits like progress fee and feed effectivity, justifying the next worth for a bull with confirmed genetics for these traits. Investing in a high-priced show-quality bull for business breeding can be economically inefficient, because the premium paid for present traits wouldn’t translate to elevated market calf worth. Conversely, utilizing a commercially-bred bull in a present program would doubtless lead to subpar efficiency, failing to justify the funding. Matching a bull’s genetic strengths to the supposed use ensures that the funding aligns with manufacturing targets and maximizes profitability. For instance, a purebred breeder specializing in bettering particular traits inside their herd would possibly make investments closely in a bull with distinctive EPDs for these traits, even when the bull’s general conformation is lower than supreme for present functions. This focused funding maximizes the genetic acquire inside the herd, contributing to the long-term worth of the breeding program.
Cautious consideration of supposed use is important for efficient bull choice and price range administration. Clearly defining the aim for which a bull is bought permits patrons to prioritize related traits and make knowledgeable choices that align with their particular manufacturing targets. Understanding the connection between supposed use and bull pricing allows producers to keep away from overspending on traits irrelevant to their operation and deal with maximizing the return on their funding in breeding inventory. An intensive evaluation of supposed use ensures that the chosen bull contributes successfully to the general success and profitability of the cattle enterprise, whether or not the objective is producing high-quality present animals, enhancing business herd genetics, or attaining optimum efficiency in rodeo occasions. Failing to align a bull’s qualities with its supposed use can result in suboptimal outcomes and monetary losses, underscoring the significance of this consideration in bull choice.
Continuously Requested Questions
Addressing widespread inquiries concerning bovine acquisition prices supplies readability and facilitates knowledgeable decision-making for potential purchasers.
Query 1: What’s the common value of a bull?
Offering a definitive common worth is difficult as a result of quite a few components influencing particular person valuations. Nevertheless, relying on breed, age, and different attributes, costs sometimes vary from a number of thousand {dollars} to tens of hundreds, with distinctive animals often exceeding these figures.
Query 2: Are registered bulls at all times costlier?
Registered bulls, with documented pedigrees and lineage info, typically command larger costs than unregistered bulls. This displays the added worth of verified genetic info and potential contribution to herd enchancment.
Query 3: How does a bull’s breeding soundness have an effect on its worth?
Breeding soundness is a main pricing issue. A bull with documented fertility via a breeding soundness examination (BSE) justifies the next funding because of its confirmed breeding capability and lowered threat of reproductive failure.
Query 4: Is it less expensive to buy a youthful bull?
Youthful bulls sometimes have decrease upfront prices however lack a confirmed breeding historical past. Whereas providing an extended potential breeding lifespan, their efficiency stays unsure, requiring cautious evaluation of pedigree and conformation.
Query 5: How do I decide a good worth for a bull?
A good worth considers breed, age, lineage, well being, conformation, breeding soundness, present market situations, and the bull’s supposed use. Consulting with skilled breeders or livestock professionals can present precious insights.
Query 6: What are the long-term value implications of bull possession?
Past the preliminary buy worth, ongoing prices embrace feed, housing, veterinary care, and potential breeding soundness testing. These bills needs to be factored into the general price range when contemplating bovine acquisition.
Cautious consideration of the components mentioned above empowers potential patrons to navigate the complexities of bull valuation and make knowledgeable buying choices aligned with particular person breeding targets and budgetary constraints.
Additional assets and detailed breed-specific pricing info might be discovered via respected breed associations and agricultural extension providers.
Suggestions for Navigating Bull Buy Choices
Buying a bovine breeding animal represents a big funding. The next suggestions present steering for navigating the complexities of bull valuation and choice.
Tip 1: Outline Breeding Targets: Clearly establishing breeding targets and goal market (e.g., purebred breeding, business beef manufacturing) is paramount. This readability guides breed choice and prioritizes related traits (e.g., carcass traits, maternal traits).
Tip 2: Analysis Breeds and Genetics: Completely examine breeds aligning with established breeding targets. Analyze Anticipated Progeny Variations (EPDs) to evaluate genetic potential for desired traits, equivalent to progress fee and carcass high quality.
Tip 3: Prioritize Breeding Soundness: A Breeding Soundness Examination (BSE) by a professional veterinarian is non-negotiable. Documented fertility ensures reproductive success and maximizes the return on funding. Keep away from bulls and not using a passable BSE.
Tip 4: Assess Conformation and Construction: Consider structural soundness, together with leg conformation and hoof high quality, to attenuate the chance of lameness and guarantee long-term breeding capability. Prioritize animals with sound construction.
Tip 5: Take into account Age and Longevity: Steadiness the preliminary funding value of a youthful bull with the fast breeding potential of a mature animal. Issue within the bull’s anticipated productive lifespan and its potential influence on long-term breeding plans.
Tip 6: Analyze Pedigree and Lineage: Scrutinize pedigree info, specializing in ancestor efficiency and genetic developments inside the lineage. Documented lineage supplies insights into the heritability of fascinating traits and long-term genetic enchancment potential.
Tip 7: Think about Market Situations and Location: Regional market demand and geographic location affect pricing. Transportation prices, regional breed preferences, and native market situations contribute considerably to the ultimate acquisition value.
Tip 8: Funds Realistically: Develop a complete price range encompassing the preliminary buy worth, ongoing upkeep (feed, housing, veterinary care), and potential breeding soundness testing. Practical budgeting ensures monetary sustainability.
Adhering to those tips allows knowledgeable decision-making, maximizing the chance of buying a bull that aligns with breeding targets and contributes to the long-term success of a cattle operation.
The next conclusion summarizes key concerns and emphasizes the significance of strategic bull acquisition in worthwhile and sustainable livestock manufacturing.
Conclusion
Bull acquisition represents a considerable funding impacting the profitability and genetic development of cattle operations. Breed, age, pedigree, well being, conformation, breeding soundness, market dynamics, geographic location, and supposed use are important determinants of bovine valuation. Cautious consideration of those components empowers knowledgeable buying choices, optimizing useful resource allocation and maximizing the return on funding.
Strategic bull choice requires a radical evaluation of particular person animal traits aligned with particular breeding targets and operational constraints. Investing in superior genetics and documented breeding soundness contributes considerably to long-term herd enchancment and the financial sustainability of cattle enterprises. Diligent analysis, session with skilled breeders, and a complete understanding of market dynamics are important for profitable bull acquisition and the continued development of the cattle business.
