Bull Management

Predicting Bull Fertility by W. Dee Whittier and Thomas Bailey, May 1, 2009 (PDF | 241KB)

Breeding Soundness Exam Used To Evaluate Fertility In Bulls

Producers searching for a cost efficient method to promote a successful breeding program may find breeding soundness examinations for bulls beneficial. The importance of the bull in a cattle breeding program often is underestimated. A cow is responsible for half the genetic material in only one calf each year, while the bull is responsible for half the genetic material in 20 to 50 calves. The bull's ability to locate cows in estrus and breed them is clearly vital to a successful breeding program.  Read more ...

Bull Management In Multi-Sire Pastures

Before the breeding season begins, a few simple management procedures involving the bulls can increase the likelihood of a high pregnancy percentage among the cows.

1) In multi-sire pastures, make certain that the bulls that will be pastured together have been in a common trap or pasture prior to the breeding season. Bulls WILL establish a social hierarchy. It is better to get this done before the breeding season begins rather than wait until they are first placed with the cows.  Read more ...

BeefTalk: Slowly Adapt New Bulls To Their New Home

After a spring of bull shopping, the first thing one realizes is there are a lot of good bulls on the market from many good breeds.  The strong selection makes for fun shopping, reviewing the highlighter markings of the good traits of each bull in the catalog, bidding vigorously and eventually owning the bull of your choice.  The second obvious point has to do with soundness. Sound bulls are structurally correct and blend with their environment. In fact, bulls are products of their environment.  The best way to treat new bulls is to place them in an environment similar to the one they came from. While a smooth transition is important, this is not always possible.  Read more ...