Page 9 - Te Mania Angus 2021 Catalogue eBook

CARING FOR YOUR NEW TE MANIA BULL

Bulls are a large investment and their management has a major effect on herd fertility. A little time and
attention to ensure they are fit, free from injury or infection and are actively working will pay dividends.

Manage him well and he will repay you many times over.

Arrival
• On arrival check your bull for injuries or lameness. If he is injured or lame have him inspected by
a vet and call Will Wilding immediately.
• When your bull arrives he will be hungry, thirsty and stressed. Put him in a paddock with plenty of
feed and a steer or an older cow for company. Feeding some hay will settle him down and start
his rumen working again.
• If you have to put him with older bulls ensure he has plenty of space and watch that he doesn’t
get bullied excessively.
Through to Mating
• Your young bull is still growing. Ensure he is well fed so he can reach his full potential but do not
get him over fat.
• Keep all bulls in condition score 3.0 to 3.5. Too much fat around the testicles can impair fertility
and over conditioned bulls lack fitness and mobility.
During Mating
• A two year bull should be capable of mating 40 cows over 60 days. An older bull a few more and
a yearling between 25 and 30.
• Ensure cows are cycling before the bull goes out. They will need to be on a rising plane
of nutrition to commence cycling and have adequate feed during mating to achieve good
conception rates.
• If single sire mating change the bull after the first cycle.
• It is vitally important to regularly observe the bull during mating. Make sure he is working properly
and no injuries or infections have occurred. Watch for foot abscesses or penile infections. These
can be cleared up quickly if treated immediately.
Problems to Watch for during Mating
• Swelling of the penis or testicles. Infections can be caused by something as simple as a thistle or
a scratch.
• Lameness or swollen joints. Watch for stiffness in the hips.
• Continuous mounting without serving.
• Large numbers of cows cycling after the first 21 days. A large percentage should be mated in the
first cycle.
• Bulls away on their own – possibly injured or sick.
If you see any of these problems replace the bull immediately. Semen quality can be affected for
up to six weeks post injury or infection.
Don’t skimp on regular checks of bulls during mating. It gives peace of mind for in-calf cow rates.

Post Mating
• Bulls are likely to be down in condition. Drench them and put them on enough feed to bring them
back up to condition score 3.0 to 3.5.
• Adequate feed, shade, water and space will allow them to settle quickly and help to reduce fighting.

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