DODGEVILLE, Wis.-(QLF)--We've all heard it, but it bears repeating: the bulls are half the breeding herd, so they deserve at least as much management attention as the cows. And for spring-calving operations, now is the time to be sure breeding bulls will be ready to do their job effectively.
Nutrition
Bulls, especially yearlings and two-year-olds, have significant nutritional needs. Feeding programs need to be designed to have bulls in very good condition (BCS 6) at the start of the breeding season, since they will commonly lose 100-200 lb during the breeding period. Do not overlook the importance of minerals and vitamins; Vitamin A in particular is important in semen production. Be sure post-breeding nutrition is adequate to allow bulls to build back the body reserves they have spent.
If new bulls have been on a performance test, or fed aggressively by the breeder, allow yourself time to bring them back to a forage-based diet gradually. Step down the amount of grain or other energy supplement, and start with a high quality hay. Dramatic changes in feeding programs can lead to digestive upsets, and also hurt semen production. Continue to feed yearling bulls to gain a minimum of 2 lb per head per day, so that they will reach 70-80% of targeted mature weight by two years of age.
Breeding Soundness Exams
Bulls should be checked by the veterinarian 30 to 60 days prior to EVERY breeding season. Data published from a number of states has shown that a surprising number of tested bulls have questionable or unsatisfactory scores often as many as 1 in 5. A BSE consists of three parts: a physical exam, including both the reproductive system and structural soundness; scrotal measurement; and, a semen evaluation. This should be a pass/fail test, because the costs of open, or even late-bred cows, are so great. Be prepared to have hooves trimmed if necessary.
Preventive Health
Work with a local veterinarian to plan and follow an appropriate vaccination and parasite prevention program. Immunizations need to be current, and measures taken against worms and flies. Consider shots for trichomomiasis and the Hardjo-bovis strain of leptospirosis, even if these are not part of your traditional vaccine program for the cowherd.
Grouping
Bulls that will be working in the same cow pasture should be grouped together well before the start of the breeding season. They need to be familiar with each other, and have an established social structure, to minimize fighting and keep their focus on servicing females once they are turned out.
Observation
There is not an effective way to test bull libido and performance prior to turning bulls in with the cows. Plan to watch the bulls at work, especially the first 5 days of the breeding season.
- Do they find and mount cows that are in heat?
- Are they actually servicing the cows they mount?
- Once finished with one cow, do they move on to find another?
The Importance of a "Breeding Season"
This entire discussion has assumed that the herd has a defined time period where the bull has access to the cows. The practical considerations of managing the bull or bulls separately from the cowherd for most of the year may discourage some producers from forcing a limited breeding season. But the pay-backs make this a critical factor in determining cowherd profitability. A defined calving season, with as many calves as possible born early, rewards the producer with:
Ø A more uniform, valuable calf crop
Ø More total pounds of calf to market
Ø Better use of time and labor
Ø More efficient feeding programs
Ø More effective health programs.
(Source: Dr. Cathy Bandyk, Quality Liquid Feeds)
