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Bull Management:
With bulls still working in mid-spring calving herds, it’s important to be vigilant for repeats that could signal a change in the bull’s fertility status. There will always be a number of problem cows that don’t hold to first service in any herd but a high number of repeats needs investigation. If in doubt, get the bull fertility tested. Watch out for signs of lameness or hurts in bulls and treat early if there are any signs. A lame bull will be sub-fertile and won’t put all cows in calf.
Ask yourself, have you a plan in place if one bull gets hurt.
Ask yourself, have you a plan in place if one bull gets hurt. Rotating bulls with different groups of cows can overcome a problem with one bull and there could also be merit in having a backup bull in large herds. Safety is obviously number one and always take extreme caution moving bulls or herding where bulls are present, especially later in the season as heat activity decreases.
SHARING OPTIONS: