There are several points to consider to minimise the risk of bulls having a negative impact on your herd's reproductive performance:
Bull age
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15 months to 4 years is ideal |
Bull to cow ratio
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1 bull to 25-30 cows. You will need double the number to enable bull rotation. |
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Rotate groups and keep them off the yards; remove and replace lame bulls |
Evaluate & monitor
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Evaluate and monitor serving ability while bulls are with the herd. Every bull should be able to successfully mount and penetrate the cow |
Disease test & vaccinate
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Test for BVD and EBL and vaccinate for BVD. Any booster vaccinations should be completed at least two weeks prior to joining the cows
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Testing for venereal diseases like Trichomonas and Campylobacter are not routinely included in the soundness evaluation and are uncommon in virgin bulls
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We offer a bull fertility soundness assessment at Franklin Vets.
Testing for soundness and fertility includes the following:
Evaluation of overall appearance
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Avoid overly-aggressive bulls
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Should be no less than 2/3 the size of mature cows and no more than 1/3 bigger
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Good legs and claws for walking
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No deformities of the head and mouth
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In good condition but not over-fat
Examination/palpation of the reproductive organs
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Scrotum circumference is a good indicator of puberty and semen capacity
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Testis should be elastic and an even size without any lumps
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The penis should be free-moving in the sheath with no visible defects
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The internal sex glands should be of normal consistence and size
Semen collection and evaluation
5-20% of bulls have semen quality issues. If this is one of the dominant bulls it can severely impact on your herd's empty rate
Semen is collected with an electro-ejaculator and evaluated for motility and morphology. |
It is important to plan ahead and get enough sound breeding bulls on farm well ahead of mating. Talk to your Franklin Vets team today for advice on bull management or to schedule a soundness and fertility exam.
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