What time of year do bulls mate?

What time of year do bulls mate?

Since the gestation length in cows is about 285 days (approximately 9 1/2 months, a few days longer in larger and Bos indicus breeds and a few days shorter in smaller and dairy breeds), then the “ideal” breeding season for spring-born calves is 9 1/2 months prior to that or beginning in April but for sure by May.

How many times can a bull mate in a year?

Therefore, a 15-month-old bull should be able to service approximately 15 cows in a typical 60-day breeding season. Some data have been published that indicate that experienced bulls that pass a breeding soundness exam can service as many as 60 females in a 70-day season without pregnancy rates being compromised.

When should you put bull in with cows?

Bulls will be turned in with heifers in March and with cows in April. Evaluate bulls, trim feet, line up breeding soundness exams and decide on buying new bulls. A cow’s nutrient needs increase by at least 50% after calving. If possible, separate dry cows from cow-calf pairs to feed more efficiently.

What season do cows breed?

But there is a normal ovulation and if inseminated at proper time the animal can conceive. Cows go through the normal ovarian changes of the estrus cycle except the behavioral heat and sexual receptivity. It is more in summer season than other seasons and more in heifer than adult animals.

How many times does a bull mate a day?

Macmillan (New Zealand Dairy Board Artificial Breeding Centre, Fielding, New Zealand, personal communication) observed that active breeding bulls can average 20 services per day. Although we believe that this degree of sexual activity is not uncommon, it can be influenced largely by stimulus pressure.

When does the mating period start for Bulls?

Pregnancy lasts for 9.3 months (plus or minus two weeks). For your situation work backwards 9.3 months to start the mating period. Getting the bulls out. If there is a risk of not being able to get bulls out (e.g. in February), then the mating period may need to start earlier.

How many cows can a bull service in a normal breeding season?

Inexperienced bulls (< 2 years of age) cannot service as many females and should only be exposed to 15 to 20 females in a 60- to 70-day breeding season. One rule of thumb is that a bull can service about as many cows as his age in months.

When to wean a cow during seasonal mating?

The calving period in relation to when the first weaning round can be conducted, will determine the proportion of small weaners that need to be managed. Seasonal mating requires weaning some calves as early as 3–4 months to help preserve cow condition and reduce lactational anoestrus (not cycling).

Why is it important to have seasonal mating?

The key objective of seasonal mating is to reduce the period of lactation in the dry season. This will preserve body condition, support healthy egg development and ovarian function for cycling following calving, and improve herd reproductive performance.