Bull Factors Influencing Calving Spread

It is difficult to know which bulls can contribute towards a tighter calving pattern at point of purchase but with a little bit of analysis it is possible to see which management, types and genetics already work best on your own farm.

In addition to observing the bull for functional traits, the testical size EBV is a proxy for bull fertility (and resulting heifer replacements) and should be considered in the selection criteria at bull sales.

Bull transition diets post purchase and pre-turnout and pre-breeding checks well in advance of turnout also help influence libido and sperm quality.

Robert Logan, robert.logan@sac.co.uk