Iowa Beef Center » bull management

Breeding Soundness Exam

deniseschwab — Tue, 07 May 2013 14:40:40 +0000

With rain in the forecast for later this week, now is a good time to get those bulls checked prior to breeding season. Remember, they are 50% of the reproductive equation, so don’t overlook the basics with them. See what SDSU says the cost of an infertile bull is…

Bull Selection Clinic

deniseschwab — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:10:52 +0000

Are you still looking for a new herd bull? If so, join us for

Bull Selection Clinic
Friday, May 3, 4:00 pm, Tama Livestock Auction

Understanding and using some simple tools can help cattle producers make the right selection for new herd bulls during upcoming bull sales. That’s why a bull selection clinic is scheduled prior to the Friday, May 3, bull sale held by Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) at the Tama Livestock Auction, Tama. There’s no cost to attend and no preregistration is necessary.

Dr. Patrick Gunn, the newest addition to the ISU Extension beef team and statewide cow-calf specialist, and I will break down the process of bull selection into simple steps and assist you with interpreting the EPD numbers in the catalog. We can help you evaluate your cow herd and determine the economically relevant traits that you want to emphasize. With that information, you can use the index EPDs and visually appraise the bulls to identify some options that will help you get the most benefit from your cow herd.

The sale will feature bulls that have been through ICA’s Bull Evaluation Program. Bulls that go through this 112-day test are evaluated for growth, carcass traits, yearling weight, disposition and scrotal circumference, and are some of the breed’s best pedigrees for calving ease, performance and carcass merit. The Tama sale will also include a group of replacement heifers for sale starting at 6 pm.

To learn more about ICA’s Bull & Heifer Program, including a listing of bulls that will be offered at the May 3 sale, go to http://www.iacattlemen.org/bullheifer.aspx

For more information on the bull clinic, contact me at dschwab@iastate.edu

Using Selection Indexes

deniseschwab — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 15:24:16 +0000

Selection indexes can remove some of the complexity out of using expected progeny differences (EPDs) for bull selection by boiling an animal’s genetic potential down to a single number, typically related to economics. And beyond their convenience, use of indexes can facilitate significant genetic progress on several traits at the same time within a herd or a breed, says University of Guelph animal scientist Steve Miller, PhD. Read more…

Bull Selection

deniseschwab — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 15:21:33 +0000

While we are still in the calving season, it won’t be long before our new bulls need to be purchased. Frank Wardynski, Michigan State University Extension educator, shares some good advice when purchasing bulls.

Pyrethroid use on bulls

deniseschwab — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 18:30:14 +0000

The use of pyrethroid products, if used according to the label, should not interfere with cattle fertility,” reports Hilari French, DVM, PhD, Resident, Rural Animal Health Management in the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Illinois (UI).

That’s the bottom line of a recent study she and colleagues conducted, following questions raised about the use of pyrethroid products in bulls when applied close to breeding season. Read more…

Time for Bull Soundness Exams

deniseschwab — Wed, 02 May 2012 18:23:32 +0000

Just because we had a mild winter, doesn’t guarantee that your bull power is ready to work. This week’s rainy spell might be a good time to call up the vet and get your bulls checked in preparation for breeding season.

Dr. Grant Dewell reminds us that vaccination with a modified live virus vaccine should be done at least 30 days prior to the breeding season so spermatogenesis is not impacted. In a few cases, pyrethroid insecticides have affected sperm production, so if using insecticides be sure to do that 30-60 days prior to breeding season also. Remember it takes about 60 days to produce sperm.

More information on bull management and breeding exams can be found on the Iowa Beef Center website.

Managing Yearling Bulls

deniseschwab — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:46:04 +0000

You’ve invested time in studying EPD’s, found a good young bull, and invested money into purchasing him. Don’t lose out on that investment by inadequate care and management. Proper management and nutrition are essential for the young bull to perform satisfactorily during the breeding season. With most new herd sires purchased as yearling bulls- management prior to, during, and after the first breeding season is particularly important. See what Iowa native Dr. Scott P. Greiner, has to say on managing young bulls. Dr. Greiner recieved his BS and PhD at ISU and is now an Extension Animal Scientist at Virginia Tech.