“Bull management is important in preparation for the upcoming breeding season,” said Patrick Davis, University of Missouri (MU) Extension livestock field specialist. March is the time to begin preparing those bulls for the upcoming breeding season. Davis will discuss management strategies to make sure bulls are ready for the upcoming breeding season.
“Bull body condition is important as breeding season approaches,” said Davis. Body condition score (BCS), which is an estimation of fat cover, is evaluated on a scale of 1 (emaciated) to 9 (obese). The ideal BCS as bulls enter the breeding pasture is a 6, which is a smooth appearance throughout. This management strategy provides bulls adequate energy reserves to successfully breed females during the season.
“Structural soundness is important for bulls to do their job during the breeding season,” said Davis. One way to evaluate structural soundness is through foot scoring. Foot scoring evaluates the hoof through claw set and the pastern and heel length through foot angle. Both foot scoring parameters are evaluated on a 1 to 9 scale with an ideal range of 3 to 7.
“Optimum bull health as they enter the breeding season helps them to be successful as well as promote optimum health to the cattle herd,” said Davis. Work with your veterinarian to develop and implement a herd health program for your bulls to help them be successful. If you are using a newly acquired nonvirgin bull in your cattle operation, make sure he has been tested and found negative for trichomoniasis before entering the breeding pasture.
“A breeding soundness exam (BSE) is a good time to implement management strategies mentioned above as well as evaluate semen quality to identify and cull poor-fertility bulls,” said Davis. During the BSE, bull BCS and foot score can be evaluated. Also, BSE provides opportunities for updating vaccinations, testing for trichomoniasis and providing parasite control. In addition, the BSE evaluates semen motility and morphology to make sure semen quality is adequate for optimum pregnancy rates. Davis urges cattle producers to contact their veterinarian to schedule their bull BSE 30 to 60 days prior to the breeding season.
“MU Extension partners with local veterinarians and pharmaceutical companies to provide bull management education during BSE Days in southwest Missouri,” said Davis. MU Extension livestock field specialists will provide education in foot scoring, BCS, genomic testing and the BSE. The partnership with pharmaceutical companies allows participating veterinarians to provide rebates on vaccinations and dewormers given to the bulls during the BSE days. Also, at these events trichomoniasis testing can be done at a separate cost.
“Whether bulls are tested through the BSE Days or with your local veterinarian, get them tested,” said Davis. Using bulls with poor fertility or structural problems hinders their ability to breed females causing an excessive number of open females, and less calves to sell, which leads to reduced operation profit potential. — MU Extension
