Soundness

“Because bulls cover a lot of pasture and cows during breeding season, structural soundness matters,” Davis says. Prior to the breeding season, it is important to assess each bull’s feet and leg structure by examining claw shape and foot angle and by evaluating the rear legs from the side.

These traits are typically scored on a scale of 1 to 9, with a score of 5 being ideal and scores between 3 and 7 being acceptable. The American Angus Association provides foot-scoring guidelines for foot angle and claw set here. The Red Angus Association of America also provides scoring for the rear leg. Its scoring reference is available here.

Davis recommends cattle producers use bulls within the acceptable range to ensure success during the breeding season and to produce structurally sound offspring.

Passing the test

“Schedule your bull’s breeding soundness exam (sometimes referred to as a BSE) with your veterinarian 30 to 60 days before the breeding season,” says Davis. The breeding soundness exam checks the bull’s reproductive tract, sperm quality and overall fertility, allowing the veterinarian to pass, fail or defer the bull. Failed bulls should be culled, while deferred bulls can be retested as advised by the veterinarian.

This exam is also an opportunity to administer vaccinations and dewormer, which are sometimes available at reduced rates in spring, so contact your veterinarian for details. Additionally, test newly acquired nonvirgin bulls for trichomoniasis. These steps help ensure healthy, fertile bulls for optimal performance.

Get the ratio right

“Use a proper bull-to-cow ratio in the breeding pasture,” says Davis. Generally, a young bull can breed with one cow for each month of his age, while mature bulls should follow a 1:25 bull-to-cow ratio.

For multisire pastures, Davis suggests selecting bulls that are similar in age and ensuring they are accustomed to each other before introducing them to the breeding pasture to minimize fighting and injuries.

It’s important to monitor the bulls during breeding season to confirm they are actively breeding, maintaining good condition and remaining injury-free. If there are signs of poor breeding success, such as cows returning to heat repeatedly, rapid weight or condition loss in the bull, or injuries, be prepared to replace the bull promptly.

Applying these strategies to your bull management protocol can protect your investment, promote breeding success, and support a productive and profitable operation. For more details, contact your local university extension livestock field specialist.

Editor’s note: This article provided by MU Extension. [Lead photo by Shauna Hermel.]

Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA, Vol. 18, No. 4-A