scrambling to try and salvage what you can of the breeding season. These weeks should also be spent making sure a
young bull is up to the task of breeding. A breeding soundness exam performed by a licensed veterinarian is well worth the expense to ensure that there aren't any unseen problems. Abnormalities should be iden- tifi ed well before the breeding season begins to allow time for correction or — in the worst case — fi nding an alternative bull. A full breeding soundness test can determine a bull's
mating ability and should include a general physical examination and inspection of the genital organs, as well as an assessment of sperm production and quality. The price of a test is usually well worth the guarantee of a bull's performance when it counts. Many bulls purchased from a reputable breeder
will have been tested beforehand and the results made available to the buyer. The appropriate vaccinations and tests for diseases
should also be performed well before the bull is exposed to the cow herd. This pre-breeding time can serve as a quarantine period to ensure that he isn't bringing any surprises with him, and ensure enough time that all test results, such as for trichomoniasis, are satisfactory.
Keep an eye out Once a young bull is ready to start his on-the-job
training and introduction to the cow herd, it is impor- tant to make a habit of closely observing him to make sure he's performing as required. Continue your vigilance as the breeding season
continues to ensure the bull hasn't become injured or begun to lose body condition. This can be especially important if the breeding season is in the hotter months, when heat stress or weather extremes can take a toll.
Don't overextend Just as you wouldn't expect an entry-level employee
to take on the responsibilities of a position well above his experience, don't give a young bull more cows than he can comfortably cover. Joseph McKellar with McKellar Angus, Mt. Pleas-
ant, says the rule of thumb for deciding how many cows a young bull can cover should be roughly equal to his age in months. For example, an 18-month-old bull should not cover more than 20 cows. McKellar said they prefer to sell older bulls, 14 to 17
months, rather than true yearlings, to ensure they've reached a good performing size and age.
tscra.org
"A priority for young bulls should be their workload,"
McKellar says. "An appropriate number of females will give him enough to do, and enough stamina to give it his best shot." McKellar says if the bull's primary workload is
addressed properly, body condition won't be as big of an issue, since he won't be overworked. They make sure the bulls at their Mt. Pleasant ranch are in good shape and transitioned to a forage diet if they've been on development rations. A young bull that is sold and transported to a different area or environment could require a bit of extra management to ensure he doesn't break down once he's turned out. "Make sure you have a health plan in place for your
bull so he doesn't get sidelined by potential problems," McKellar said. "We've given them a good start, but you have to keep an eye on him to make sure he doesn't get run down." As long as a bull has good nutrition and the proper
structure, feet and muscle shape, and ample scrotal size, he should be able to get the buyer a good return on his investment. "It doesn't matter how good a set of EPDs is unless he's built to do his job," McKellar said.
Post-breeding bull management If your operation is running a defi ned or limited
breeding season, it is important to pull a young bull after 60 days to give him time to recover. Rotate a second bull in to cover a longer breeding season or to clean up open cows. Allowing a young bull to recover lost body condi-
tion and reproductive capability will ensure that he is ready to go the next time he is needed. A post-breeding season exam can be benefi cial to identify any injuries or problems that need to be addressed. Bulls should be kept in groups relative to age so
they are able to work out a social structure. Older bulls should not be pastured with younger bulls. This will prevent fi ghting and protect the investment you have made in them. The care and handling of young bulls is a vital part
of a successful breeding operation. While they can appear to be the easiest part of the herd to manage, they're not entirely a set-it-and-forget-it group. You can make both of your jobs easier if you take some time before the breeding season to focus on a young bull's health, diet and condition — both inside and out. With a little planning and attention, you can give him the solid foundation he will need to grow into a valuable asset for years to come.
October 2016 The Cattleman 127
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