Bull Hire

[Gwyn Morris]

I have a bull that I'm thinking of hiring out over the summer. I Have never hired a bull in before so don't know what paperwork I need to have in place. Any advice? West wales area.

[ann]

Mine would be don't. Not sure what your TB status is but the safest option is to have a closed herd IMHO

[Saffy]

I totally agree, unless he isn't coming back. Not just TB, at least that is tested for but IBR, BVD etc!

Stephanie

[Louisa Gidney]

I've been hiring out my bulls for over 20 years and the worst thing they've brought home so far is ringworm.
If you do decide to hire him out then it's pretty simple, just a normal BCMS movement report and the passport goes with him.
However, if you are not in a 4 year TB testing area then I would echo the advice DON'T. My vet is very clear that the TB test is not infallible. If there is TB in your area and your herd is clear so far, it's not worth the risk.

[Gwyn Morris]

Thanks for the replies. I'm now confused!! But I understand your concerns! The only reason I want to hire him out is because I don't have an animal that can keep him company in another field while my other cows calve. He is a very quiet bull but not sure how he would be with calving cows. I would like to keep him away until about October. Any suggestions?

[Louisa Gidney]

Trouble is, most herds that want to hire a bull only need him for about 6 weeks, so you'll need a succession of bookings to keep him away from home until October. It might be easier/safer to buy a steer to keep him company when away from your cows.

[Gwyn Morris]

Good suggestion thanks Louisa

[SteveM]

our bull has just come back, they had him roughly 2 months but needed him away due to young heifer calves. he is now in a pen with our heifers he ran with last summer to keep him company.