The ratio of a bull to cows is typically 1:25. ![]() At the start of the breeding season a bull should be at a body score of around 2.5-3 (of 5, or at 6 of a 9 scale system). Young bulls should not be allowed to become overweight, or this may increase the fat in their testicles. We recommend the ear notch test for PI-BVD for all breeding animals, especially those being sold. We recommend that the first BVD vaccine be a killed vaccine, then there be two other such vaccines which are modified live vaccines with the BVD vaccine be cytopathic to prevent persistently-infected testicles the vaccine we recommend has both type 1 and type 2 BVD plus the cytopathic and non-cytopathic strains. Some vaccines are not indicated in some areas and/or some breeds. Vaccines are inexpensive and thus we recommend the routine IBR/BVD/PI3/BRSV/Lepto 5, the 7-way Clostridial, Haemophilus, and maybe even Moraxella bovis (Pinkeye), anthrax, tetanus, Trichomoniasis, rabies and/or Campylobacter (Vibrio). We prefer you notify sellers if the bull being sold is polled, which should be a premium for the breeds that need dehorning. Dehorning should be performed on all breeds, expect those breeds which desire horns. All bulls should be given a magnet after 4-6 months of age, and a ring placed in their nose as soon as possible. The ration should be 12%+ CP and 65+% TDN. ![]() Other feeds such as silage, supplements, grains and other concentrates can also be fed to a bull to achieve the 1.5-2% ratio of body weight diet fed daily. We recommend feeding a growing bull 1.5% of his body weight a day in alfalfa hay for a 1.5-2# per day gain. A diet high in fiber and low in concentrates is the best for a growing bull. When raising bulls the yearlings should be kept separate from the older bulls, to allow for proper growth and feeding. If a bull was sick a few months before the breeding season and he had a body temperature over 106+ degrees he may be temporarily sterile for 2-3 months! For a similar reason we do not recommend using MLV vaccines in bulls within a few months of breeding and/or some long acting pyrethroids fly control products and pour-on and/or premise spray (i.e. The testicles should be at 96 degrees a process the bull‘s body regulates itself. Thus if a bull has an infection within a couple of months of the breeding season, a collection of the sperm before he is turned in with the cows is indicated. A body temperature of 104 degrees may produce a sterile bull for up to 2 months. Some of the bull test sales in the future may go to a pasture test, which is what the yearling offspring will be raised on. These bull tests us a rate of gain on feeding concentrates and that on pasture has probably a close correlation. The bull test sales rely also on average daily gain (ADG) where gain is a desired trait. The average yearling bull should weigh 1100# before he is used for breeding this weight can vary with each species. Excess fat in the testicles and scrotum can cause infertility if the bull becomes too hot. Too fat of a bull will result in excess testicular fat. The open range livestock laws are not protection if any animal gets out because of a poor fence and cause misbreedings and/or an auto accident. If a bull gets out because of poor fencing, then it is the bull owner’s responsibility to pay for any damages, dystocia, etc if the bull is found within another herd. You need well-built facilities to house and work a bull. One bull alone may become very wild at time, yet if there are 1-3 others with him he is easier to work. If you are taking a bull to the veterinarian, bringing along a second herd mate will greatly reduce the stress in working and handling him. Bulls can be dangerous, and should never be trusted, especially dairy bulls. If one has less than 20 head of cattle it is more cost effective to use artificial insemination (AI) than keeping a bull around. Bulls take stronger facilities to raise and hold, which is why we do not commercially feed out bulls for slaughter in this country.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |