In these tough economic times, input costs are escalating, food prices are skyrocketing and there is little extra money that finds its way back into the pockets of ranchers. With the challenges of the future hard to predict, it’s a difficult time to navigate through a rancher’s many options for survival. While it’s increasingly important to minimize costs and increase efficiencies, there is one investment cattlemen shouldn’t shortchange on – herd bulls.

Herd bulls play a huge role on the success of many aspects on a beef operation, especially profitability. According to a report released by South Dakota State University (SDSU) Animal and Range Science Extension titled, Reproductive Fertility in Herd Bulls, “A herd bull supplies half of the genetics to all the calves he sires; therefore, bull selection can be the most powerful method of genetic improvement in the herd. Herd bulls also influence overall herd fertility more than any other single animal; the loss of fertility by a bull can mean the potential loss of an entire calf crop. For the above reasons, and because greater than 90 percent of the beef cows in the United States are bred by natural service, it is important that bulls be managed to optimize breeding performance.”

With that in mind, it’s important to remember to take care of herd bulls, a cattleman’s most important investment. A reminder of the easy management tips can assist in optimizing the health of herd bulls and gear them up for a successful summer breeding season. Paul Sylliaasen, DVM, a practicing veterinarian at Lakeview Veterinary Service in Mitchell, SD, offers a few useful tips to provide proper care to herd bulls.

Breeding soundness examinations

Of course, it’s imperative for the bull to reach puberty in order to be fertile. Obviously, the bull’s libido and ability to breed are incredibly important. However, according to Sylliaasen, breeding soundness examinations are the best way to know that a bull is qualified to breed cows.

“When conducting a breeding soundness examination, we check the physical characteristics of the bull, observing the scrotal circumference and symmetry of the testicles,” said Sylliaasen, a 2008 graduate of veterinary medicine from Iowa State University. “We also look at the bull’s accessories such as the sex glands and the penis. We make sure that the bull can fully extend his equipment, and we check for sores, warts and hair rings.”

These checks are all in an effort to catch any reproductive challenges the bull may have prior to turning him loose with the cows. The physical examination also looks at the eyes, teeth, hooves and body condition score. After the physical examination, the veterinarian collects a semen sample. Naturally, tough winter conditions, poor nutrition and disease can impact the quality of semen. A breeding soundness examination should be conducted annually to ensure the bull’s ability to breed cows.

“A breeding soundness examination is the best insurance policy a cattleman has,” said Sylliaasen. “Without one, there is really no way of knowing if the bull is qualified to breed. It’s an inexpensive way to avoid a train wreck during the breeding season.”

Out in the pasture

Because it’s more challenging to treat the bull for disease and injuries once he is out in the pasture with the cow herd, it’s important to get him healthy prior to the breeding season. As most bulls are purchased, their body condition scores must be evaluated to determine if they are ready to breed. Sale bulls can often be overweight, and Sylliaasen noted the importance of following a nutrition regimen that will slowly acclimate the bulls to a less high energy ration. On the opposite end of the spectrum, lighter bulls that have weathered a tough winter will need to increase their body condition score with better nutrition. In addition, Sylliaasen offered a few tips to prevent disease throughout the summer months.

“To keep bulls healthy, administer a foot rot and pink eye vaccine,” advised Sylliasen. “Also, be sure to deworm the bulls, and work to keep the flies off them. These measures will help prevent problems during the hot, dry summer months.”

In addition, cattlemen need to think about the ratio of cows to the bull, especially when thinking about yearling bulls. Sylliaasen suggested that a yearling bull should be limited to 20 cows, as he is an unproven sire.

“Yearling bulls need to prove themselves before they are given the responsibility of more cows to breed,” said Sylliaasen. “Some of the heavier fleshing bulls melt away in the heat or are too lazy to breed. If the bulls are too thin, they might suffer from exhaustion and will be unable to get the job done. As a bull matures, the producer can be more certain of the bull’s capabilities.”

Take care of that investment

As spring gets underway, cattlemen should keep in mind Sylliaasen’s simple and easy reminders to care for herd bulls. Whether it’s retesting the bulls at home or purchasing a bull from another source, breeding soundness examinations will help to determine whether the bull is qualified to breed cows or not. With energy adjustments to reach the appropriate body condition score and the proper vaccinations to prevent disease, herd bulls should be ready to hit the pastures and breed cows. Get ahead in this falling economy and invest in herd bulls. Caring for herd bulls will prove to be a high return on investment in a suffering economy.