This is a subscriber-only article
Stock bulls are often overlooked during winter, as farmers focus on finishing animals, keeping weanlings healthy and preparing for spring calving.
While stock bulls will not need the same attention as the groups outlined during the housing period, keeping these animals fit and healthy will make sure they are in working order when breeding starts in late spring.
Outlined are five tips to managing stock bulls over the winter period.
1. Housing options
Always think about safety when housing stock bulls, as they can become aggressive when separated and isolated from cows.
One thing to keep in mind is keeping stock bulls away from cull cows that scanned empty and are currently being fattened.
Also, avoid housing close to maiden and yearling heifers that are likely to come into heat later on during winter.
Many farmers will house the bull in a pen with dry cows, as this helps keep him settled and easier handled on the occasions when treating for fluke and lice.
When housing bulls individually and separate from the rest of the herd, they should be kept in purpose-built pens with heavy-gauge steel barriers and gates.
If there are multiple pens required for stock bulls, make sure the side barriers are screened to cut down aggression between animals. Never enter these pens to check a bull, unless there is a headlock and rapid exit points.
2. Feed barriers
Make sure feed barriers have adequate spacing to allow the bull to access fodder and concentrates.
In sheds with diagonal feed barriers and self-locking head yokes, the bull can slip his head through the spacing as he pushes forward.
However, exiting the barrier is when the problems can start, as the back of the head is the widest point and often catches the uprights. Ideally, the bull should be penned in a shed with a single or double horizontal feed barrier.
3. Floor options
Housing bulls on fully straw-bedded pens over winter can lead to feet and mobility problems. Feet can become overgrown, with the sole becoming tender and easily irritated when the bull walks on concrete, stone laneways and hard ground.
Ideally, bulls should have a combination of a straw, woodchip or rubber slatted areas for lying, with a concrete area when standing at the feed face. Keep the concrete area clean with regular scraping.
4. Exercise
A stock bull can weigh anywhere from 800kg to 1,100kg, which puts major pressure on legs and feet to support body weight.
Make sure pens are large enough to allow bulls to walk and turn freely, as exercise will help keep animals correct on their feet.
5. Diet and body condition
Keep bulls in a lean, fit condition over winter to prevent problems with mobility from carrying excessive weight.
Bulls should be fed silage with feed values around 68% to 70% DMD to maintain body condition.
Concentrates can be introduced in early spring to start building condition before breeding in May.
SHARING OPTIONS: