By Andi Anderson
As fall approaches, cattle producers often turn their attention to weaning calves and checking pregnancy rates in cows.
While these steps are important, it is equally essential to evaluate the role of the herd bull. Bulls contribute 50 percent of the genetics in every calf crop, and their performance directly affects herd success.
One of the first areas to consider is how the bull handled the breeding season. Even if a bull passed a soundness exam in spring, his fertility can fluctuate.
Conception rates offer useful insights, with a target of around 65 percent of cows bred within the first three weeks and most of the rest within the next 40 days. If late breeding results are poor, the bull may be part of the problem.
Body condition and weight loss should also be monitored. Bulls often lose one to two condition scores or 100 to 200 pounds during breeding, but excessive weight loss signals potential management issues.
A post-season breeding soundness exam is also valuable to check semen quality and identify injuries.
The calf crop provides another measure of bull performance. Comparing average birth weights, weaning weights, growth per day of age, temperament, and health across calves can help identify genetic contributions.
For bulls used across multiple years, long-term data such as yearling weights, heifer pregnancy rates, or structural soundness scores give an even clearer picture.
Fall is also the best time to restore bull condition before winter. Young bulls, still growing, need additional nutrition to regain weight and continue development.
Separating young bulls from older ones helps prevent injury and ensures tailored feeding. Mature bulls can usually maintain condition on forage diets, while younger bulls may require supplemental feed for steady growth.
Evaluating bulls in fall helps producers decide whether to retain them for the next season or market them as culls. By collecting and analyzing performance data, producers can strengthen herd efficiency and make informed breeding decisions.
As the saying goes, “you can’t manage what you don’t measure,” and that applies just as much to the bull as it does to the cow herd.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-steveoehlenschlager
Categories: Ohio, Livestock