Bulls & Fertility

Welshmom · #1 07/18/12, 07:59 AM

I have a small herd of 4 beef cattle.
Don't have facilities up yet to do AI, so I rented an angus bull. Bull is vaccinated for everything, etc. and looks quite healthy, etc.

I watched him breed one of my cows, so I know he knows what to do. Problem is, she is now back in heat 3 weeks later... I was thinking she should be bred. I'll be watching the others as well for coming back in.

Yes, we have been having temps in the 90's-100's nearly every day. Cattle are being fed hay now, and have constant access to shade and water, their condition is nice.

So, I'm worried he's infertile. Or is this not unusual, could it be the cow, does it often take a few cycles? I've used AI in the past, so I'm just wondering.

And no, the bull wasn't tested or guaranteed, I knew that going in. I figured it was low risk but I may be kicking myself soon. btw, all my cows are proven calvers.

G. Seddon · #2 07/18/12, 08:57 AM

I watch and note on the calendar when the bull is interested in a particular cow, and I watch about 3 weeks later as well. Have you kept track of the other cows?

I'd give him one more cycle, but keep in mind that this horrific heat takes a toll on conception. Normally, most bulls succeed the first time. Too bad he wasn't tested. Any kind of written agreement with the bull's owner if nobody gets bred?

Bountiful Ranch · #3 07/18/12, 09:08 AM

I always have a bull semen tested.

ozark_jewels · #4 07/19/12, 02:07 PM

My vet says that even bulls that cover cows in the really hot weather, their sperm count is very low. Also, the cows do not have as good heat cycles when its really hot. I highly doubt my dairy cows breeding now are going to take, and I have good bulls.

bigbluegrass · #5 07/19/12, 03:28 PM

Even the best bulls are not 100% successful. I would expect him to settle at least 3 of the 4 the first month (cycle) if the cows are all ready.

Like ozark_jewels said, the heat affects conception rate also. Night time temps are just as critical as daytime highs. If you can get back into the 60's at night, the cattle can cool off. If your night time temps are in the 70's and up, it will suppress the cows cycles and bull fertility - with the exception of some breeds.

Does the place you leased him from have another bull? Maybe tell them your concern.

arnie · #6 07/19/12, 04:40 PM

Keep an eye on allyour cows if he fails again and none of your other cows are bred get rid of him and get another bull .:-) :-)

Welshmom · #7 07/20/12, 08:21 AM

Thanks guys.
I have kept records and it seems we may be okay after all... last month one of the other cows was in heat the day before the one in question which I saw re-cycle. I have not seen her (the first one) come back in, so maybe we're okay. He's fertile, just need to allow for timing/heat taking a toll, etc.
I'm still going to be watching as close as I can, because I work 50 hours a week off farm and I could miss things. I just know if my cows are open, I need to make some calls/decisions quickly.