Keeping a Bull

Vanguard is the first of many bulls we hope to produce here. Currently, Vanguard resides in Canada and we have three bulls here, 2 are his sons. We feel keeping a bull shouldn't be done on impulse. Preparations started 4 years before we retained a bull. We carefully considered what it would mean for our family and livestock. He was here for 3 years so we could record his mature height and collect Conventional and Heifer-sorted straws.. 

We kept Vanguard with his dam for 5 months so she could nourish him and teach him herd manners. We didn't make him a bottle baby, confusing him about who his herd mates are. During this time he was also taught to stand tied and walk on a lead. All these things are deliberate precautions for our safety and his.

When weaned, he moved into a field with an older, bred heifer. She has little patience for his constant mounting and he's gotten much more respectful. 

A tall, electric fence is nearly a must to contain a mature bull. Bulls WILL jump a fence to access cows in heat. They don;t descriminate by age so your very young cycling heifers are just as enticing. Bulls can smell a heat from a mile away. We chose to install a 5'8" electrified high-tensile fence with a strong charger. This also keeps the Livestock Guardian dogs in and large predators like bears and cougars are kept out. We don't have issues with trespassers either!  

Mini Jersey bulls tend to be better mannered than full size Jersey bulls.  It could be that the nastier tempered ones are culled before passing on these traits.  We've kept two standard Jersey bulls previously and developed our handling techniques.  We don't let our guard down and always have someone with us to help watch our back, literally.  ​

Investing in a squeeze is necessary to secure him for disease testing prior to straw collection or sale. If you plan to keep a bull this will be required. A Trichinosis test is very invasive and keeping him secure and still will keep him safe. This is also how a bull is secured for on-farm collection.

We bring the cows to him so he doesn't need to be handled. Taking the cows out can be dangerous if the bull has become possessive.  It's best to keep her halter on to speed up the process of leading her out. Bringing feed or something to distract him can be helpful too.

It's very helpful to watch closely for when the cows are bred so you have an idea of due date.  This helps to be able to dry them off 2 months prior, remove salt the month before, and move them into a quiet pasture or stall for calving. The bull will know when it's the ideal time so just watch closely and note it on the calendar.

Warmly,
​Lorinda