How early can a Dexter bull settle a cow?

Laura Workman · #1 01/22/13, 01:18 AM

I may have to buy a bull to get my cow settled. There are a couple of yearling bulls available, but I'm not in a position to keep a bull for very long. When can a Dexter settle a cow. Do you think these guys could do it now? Thanks!

G. Seddon · #2 01/22/13, 07:44 AM

Yes, a yearling can breed a cow (he could probably breed a cow much earlier, but certainly at a year of age). If you're breeding to a Dexter, make sure they've been tested for PHA and aren't both chondro carriers.

Laura Workman · #3 01/22/13, 08:40 AM

Thanks!

Oakshire_Farm · #4 01/22/13, 11:54 AM

My 6 month old Dexter bull settled my 8 month old Jersey a few years back, not at all planned, I figured they were both to young, but they had other plans...

She was coming up the breeding age and I had the vet out to check her because I was not noticing her showing any heats.... He checked her and I figured out why she was not showing her heats. She calved out a tiny little heifer with out any help. I stood and watched, gave her a little help getting the shoulders out.

genebo · #5 01/22/13, 03:59 PM

My 7 month old Dexter bull settled a small herd of dairy cattle.

Later I sold one of his sons when he was only 5 months old. He went to a lady who had a cow with a 3 month old calf. It turned out she was in heat as we arrived. My little bull went to the cow, nursed a bit, then bred her. She took.

I've heard of bulls as young as 4 months getting the job done.