Who's Your Cow's Daddy?

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Who's Your Cow's Daddy?

Dairy Pipeline: July 2008

M. Chase Scott, Extension Agent, Southwest Virginia
(276) 223-6040; miscott1@vt.edu

As temperatures rise and field work takes us away from our cows, herd reproduction may suffer and pregnancy rates may decline. Rising feed costs along with milk prices dictate that we manage days in milk to maximize feed efficiency. Every year after corn silage harvest I receive many calls saying, “I am way behind on my breeding, do you know where I can find a good bull?” This year consider evaluating your bull breeding program before too many of your cows are open.

Even though artificial insemination can offer a greater opportunity for a herd’s genetic advancement, the use of natural service bulls is still prevalent in Virginia. If you are going to use bulls in your dairy herd they must be managed properly and safely. Just like a straw of semen or the success of an artificial inseminator, bulls are in control of the future production and offspring of your herd. Following are a few management strategies that you should use.

Select a bull from a reputable, “diseasefree” source, just because he is the right color and walks doesn’t mean he is a good bull. Pedigrees are a plus.
Bulls should pass a breeding soundness exam before he is to breed cows and this exam should be repeated at least four times a year, this also presents an excellent opportunity for you and your veterinarian to discuss your herd’s reproduction plan.
Bulls should be on the same herd health program as the lactating herd. Work with your veterinarian to formulate a plan that compliments your herd bulls.
A conservative stocking rate is one bull for every 25-30 cows. Social rank may affect bull performance, avoid grouping smaller bulls with larger bulls, as the larger bulls may dominate the breeding and inhibit younger bulls lower on the pecking order.
No bad temperament should be tolerated. There are too many bull calves born every day to take a risk with an illtempered bull.
The use of younger bulls should be preferred. Feed is too expensive to be feeding an old, big bull.
Make sure all family members, employees, and visitors are aware of bulls, and use precautions when working around them. Dairy cows are handled frequently, offering several opportunities for a bad bull to “get you.”

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