Sweeper bull

[Davy]

We have a few limousine bulls for sweeping the cows after we finish with dairy semen. One lad has been here 5 or 6 years and has always been a hard worker. I've noticed him now when he mounts a cow, his rod isnt coming out like it should, sometimes not until he dismounts. He wouldn't be overworked either, only a cow or 2 bulling most days now. Would an infection cause this, or is it just time to trade him in for a younger model?

 

[Bald Rick]

Not overworked ... “only a cow or 2 most days”

No wonder his rod’s not coming out. You’ve worn it away

 

[Davy]

One bull to 30-40 cows for 2 months work in the year isn't over worked. He's had 10 months off on holiday.

 

[Bald Rick]

One bull to 30-40 cows for 2 months work in the year isn't over worked. He's had 10 months off on holiday.

That’s not how your OP reads though...

Anyway, it’s probably time to freshen up your bulls in an case

 

[pappuller]

One bull to 30-40 cows for 2 months work in the year isn't over worked. He's had 10 months off on holiday.

Do you not rotate them daily or every 12hrs ?

 

[Davy]

Yes they get rested every few days. He hasnt worked since last spring, but I have noticed this only a few days after being back in with the cows. There'll be a replacement drafted in.

 

[M-J-G]

How many cows is he running with?

 

[HasthorpeGrange]

Can you carry on AI with beef semen?

 

[Davy]

Can you carry on AI with beef semen?

Yeah, they all get a straw, bulls are only there as heat detection and backup to anything missed. We'll keep an eye on him, he must have got hurt last spring and hasn't got over it. Don't want to kill a good beast too hastily.

 

[HasthorpeGrange]

Are they getting triple impact or a fert plus? How many calve to AI and how many to the bull