NORTHERN "AG" EXPOSURE

by Mark Miller
Rolette County Extension Agent

Published April 9, 2001

Physically Fit Bulls Necessary for Reproductive Success

While there's no evidence to show that cows show any preference for hard-bodied bulls with rippling muscles, a physically fit bull is necessary for a successful beef breeding program, a North Dakota State University specialists says.

The familiar mantra of diet and exercise is as important for the bovine Romeo as it is for human health, according to Chip Poland, a livestock specialist at NDSU's Dickinson Research Extension Center. "If your bulls can't keep up with your cows or can't perform for some physical reason, it's going to show up in the conception rate of your cows. It doesn't matter how good your genetics are, they're worthless if your bull can't pass them along," he says.

Conditioning should begin two to three months before the breeding season, Poland advises. That allows bulls to adjust gradually for peak breeding performance. Rushing the conditioning process can result in health and digestive problems.

Recently-purchased bulls are typically in good condition, and may even have excess weight.
"Purchased bulls that have been fattened for sale may need some exercise to get them down to breeding condition," Poland says. Young bulls raised out of the herd should be gaining at a rate of 2 to 2 ½ pounds per day. A body condition score of about six is a target for breeding season. "We don't want these bulls to be fat, but they need growth," Poland says.

Older, established bulls may also need some weight gain. "Many of our North Dakota bulls get thin during the winter and need some extra feeding to get them in condition for the breeding season," Poland notes.

Health problems of bulls should be identified and treated. Parasites and hoof and eye problems are the most common and can affect reproductive performance. Poland notes that present stress from cold weather, transportation and other causes can have crucialeven devastatingeffects later. "It's 40 days from the time sperm is produced to ejaculation," he says. "So a stress or injury that affects sperm production now may show up just when your bull needs to be breeding."

Many producers keep bulls confined in relatively small pens during the winter for easier feeding and management. Now's the time to turn bulls out into larger yards or pastures for exercise, Poland says. He recommends from one to two acres per bull. "That exercise is extremely important. If they're not in shape in time for breeding, they'll never keep up with the cows," Poland says. That's crucial because an older herd bull typically services from 25 to 35 cows and young bulls service 15 to 20 cows.

Finally, Poland advises producers to have a veterinarian perform a thorough breeding soundness exam. "A veterinarian can perform a full physical exam from the feet to the eyes to give you an idea of the physical soundness of the animal and the health of the reproductive organs," he says. The veterinarian can also assess the quantity and quality of semen produced.

"High reproductive success is a key to profitability," Poland says. "So it's crucial to make sure your bulls can get the job done."

Quicken Classes

Another Quicken training will be held at the Rolette School on April 23rd, beginning at 6:00pm.Cost for this training will be $15.00. If you're interested in attending please call the Extension office at 477-5671.

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Updated April 16, 2001 Shelley Armstrong, Webmaster