Managing a bull

Kathy Millar · Post by **Kathy Millar** » Sun Nov 18, 2007 6:28 pm

I am exploring options for one of my customers who is taking two cows in December. They were both AI'd and only one looks like she has settled. Taking the advice from another thread, I think the open cow should go to a bull now. My question is: could you bring in a bull and put him in with the two cows even though one is settled? I am afraid there is only Angus available here unless you want to buy a bull .

Duncan MacIntyre · Post by **Duncan MacIntyre** » Sun Nov 18, 2007 6:35 pm

As long as they are not in too confined a space eg small pen indoors, I don't see any problem as long as the bull is deemed suitable for use on the particular cow concerned. Angus bulls here have become very large and though at one time I would not have hesitated to say use one on a Dexter, some of the largest ones (usually with Canadian blood) are perhaps not suitable for a Dexter. If it is a smaller traditional type Aberdeen Angus it should be ok if the Dexter is of a good pelvic size.

Duncan

Kathy Millar · Post by **Kathy Millar** » Sun Nov 18, 2007 6:45 pm

Wow! Quick reply! So how big is too big? More than 1400 lbs.? 1600? I was thinking that it was the Herefords that were the big ones and there is quite a few around here. Probably a Highland bull would be ideal but I don't know if there are any in her area. I sure don't want to give her a bum steer................terrible pun :laugh:

welshdexterboy · Post by **welshdexterboy** » Mon Nov 19, 2007 1:38 am

Here we go again agreeing with Duncan

but may I suggest a young AA bull who wouldn't be over heavy for the cow ( depending on her size of course) I have a friend who regularly gives a Simmental to his Dexters and they have calved no problem. The problem with this sweeping statement is that there is a lot of variances between the way people keep their cows i.e. condition before calving, amount of food through pregnancy etc. Whatever you choose the cow is better going in calf than not for yours and their peace of mind. :;):

Inger · Post by **Inger** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 10:49 am

Its not the size of the bull that counts, its the bull's average birth weight that is the all important factor in ease of calving. Plus the head shape his calves usually have as well.

Kathy Millar · Post by **Kathy Millar** » Fri Nov 23, 2007 6:52 pm

I'd bet that not a single Angus bull owner here could tell you anything about head size or shape! And it would be against their principles to admit that their bull throws small calves as big is always better! I am going to recommend that my buyer look for a Highland bull. Seems to be a lot of those around.