Jerry Cassady
Association Perspective
Take care of your new herd bull.
Have you ever noticed that when we buy something new, a new car for example, we give it extra care and added attention? We make more trips to the car wash, wiping, waxing, trying to keep it "new" for as long as possible. Shouldn't you follow the same protocol for your newly purchased herd bull? Now, don't think I'm referring to washing and polishing your new herd sire; however, a little extra care and attention to detail with this new addition may be well worth your time.
If you purchased a registered Angus bull recently, chances are you paid more for him this year compared to years past. Registered Angus bulls come with a wealth of information in the form of expected progeny differences (EPDs) that can better predict performance of future offspring. You studied your lesson and most likely spent time going through an array of potential herd bulls prior to making your selection.
An investment in money, time and effort to say the least, a bull was finally selected who was most suited for your operation. Be certain to take care of your new investment with a few well-planned management practices.
First, I always recommend that you insure your new bull, at least through the first breeding season. Be sure the bull has passed a semen evaluation exam and that all the necessary health requirements are met prior to his delivery to your farm or ranch.
Next, remember the nutritional requirements of your new investment. Bulls ranging from 15 to 18 months of age are still growing. They need supplemental concentrates while on pasture or hay to meet requirements for maintenance and growth, to maintain body condition and to stay sexually active. Also, it is important to allow plenty of exercise prior to his turnout date to maintain physical condition.
Let's not forget to limit the use of your new herd sire. A bull that is too thin may have reduced fertility and libido. One rule of thumb is to allow one breeding-age female for every month of age up to 20. So if you turn out an 18-month-old bull, he should be able to handle around 18 females in a breeding season (limited to 75 days). Keep watch and record matings to be certain he is successfully servicing your females.
Finally, don't throw him out with older bulls and think he can keep up. His lack of size and inexperience will work against him. Following the breeding season, deworm your bull and bring him back to a body condition score of 6. (See www.cowbsc.info for the how to's of body condition scoring.)
Look, you paid a lot of money for your new investment. Extending the life of productive herd sires may be one answer to improving your operation's bottom line. Let's do everything we can to take care of him and keep him "new" for as long as possible.
Editor's Note: Regional Manager Jerry Cassady covers Region 9, including the states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan & Wisconsin. Click here to find the regional manager for your state.
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