Once you have organised your bulls for the season and worked out how many you will need, and once they are on farm, it is important to manage them well to get the most out of your bull team.

Number of bulls needed in the herd at any one time:

No. cows in milking herd

Likely % of herd pregnant at start of bull mating

very low

low

moderate

high

	<40%	40-50%	50-70%	>70%
100	2 to 4	2 to 3	2	2
200	5 to 6	4 to 5	2 to 3	2
300	7 to 8	6	4 to 5	3
400	9 to 11	7 to 8	5 to 6	3 to 4
500	12 to 13	9 to 10	7	4 to 5

Two teams should be run, with one team working for two days while the other team is resting for two days, meaning double the number in the chart is needed on farm.  After the first three weeks of mating, if bulls are fighting, numbers in with the herd can be reduced.  A minimum of at least two sexually active bulls at all times with the herd.

Observe bulls on a daily basis and:

• Remove lame bulls immediately
• Remove bulls that are not mounting and penetrating cows
• Separate fighting bulls
• Do not use overly-aggressive bulls
• Replace bulls that are losing excessive condition

Ideally bulls should be left in the paddock when cows are bought in for milking.  If this is not possible, at least limit the time bulls spend on the concrete.

If you need help with bull evaluation, determining numbers or management, call us at the clinic.