Most spring-calving herds will have their bulls out with the cows at the moment.

With over 50% of calf registrations falling in March, April and May in Scotland, bulls should be going out over the next while.

If they have, here are a number of management tips to consider.

Option 1: Rest for a few days and return to work again

This is easy to do but may not solve the problem, with some injuries being more severe. Should they be more severe, there are a few options open:

Option 2: Increase cow:bull ratio across the rest of the bulls

pros: A quick solution. By spreading the cows from this group through the rest of the group, it means no need for another bull.

cons: If the ratio is already high, you might be risking damaging another bull. Also needs care to check cross relationships. Not really an option in smaller herds.

Option 3: Hire another bull

Pros: Quick solution. Get another bull on the ground quickly. Bull can leave again at the end of the season, giving more time to consider the options for next year. Also gives the option to try a different breed if available.

Cons: Availability. May not be many available in the peak season and may have limited choice. Biosecurity can also be an issue, especially in a high-health herd.

Option 4: Buy another bull

Pros: Similar to the hire option but also means that the bull is then in the system for next year.

Cons: Again, similar to the hire option – limited choice and biosecurity implications

Option 4: Switch to AI

Pros: Cheaper long-term option and also more biosecure. Gives access to bloodlines that would otherwise be out of reach.

It might lead to a change in breeding plan if the progeny turned out well. Cows could be synchronised to keep calving more compactly. May also give option of totally unrelated heifers for future replacements.

Cons: Cows need more handling so must be close to facilities. Also needs extra labour and can be time consuming.

Not an option if the cows are on land away from the main farm.