We got a bull!

[Maria]

He's a 3/4 Lowline, for breeding to our Dexter cow, and our Pineywood/Longhorn cow. Both cows have heifers that will be bred to him next year. He's about the same height as the cows, but much heavier.




I'm planning on turning him in with the cows in August, and then just letting him run with the herd full time. I wish I could let him in now, but I don't want February calves.

If a bull is with the cows full time, will they breed for calving in the spring? Or will they just go for it as soon as possible? I'd really rather have them all in one group rather than separating him out 3 months out of each year.

[KSALguy]

each herd is differint, and you also have to consider the fact that the heifers wont be old/big enough for a while, you will have to abort them if you put him in too soon, (not any real big deal as it is a common practice with Beef herds)

as to breeding, if you put him in intime to breed for spring and then just leave him its VERY Possible that the cows will come back into heat sometime sooner after calving than you want and he will breed them, then your schedual will be off if you only want spring calves. but then also some herds dont cycle the same and you could be relatively ok. it all depends

[Maria]

Well, both of the cows were with bulls full time last year, (different owners) and yet they had their calves in April and May this year. It would be awfully convenient if they continued this trend, but I guess I can't really count on that. Thanks for the reminder about the heifers. I'd hate for them to get bred too early, even though both Dexters and Pineywoods are supposed to be rather precocious about breeding age.

[planecrazyusa]

He is beautiful!! congratulations!!

[KSALguy]

how old is the bull? is he mature and experianced? if so you should be better off than i thought,

as to the heifers, just watch their size and you should be fine,

[Maria]

He's two years old and has been used for breeding before.