By Jones, R. and Kasari, T. R. and Wikse, S. E., Compendium on Continuing Education for the Practicing Veterinarian, 1997
Description
Part I of this two-part presentation discussed fertility assessment and the economics of using yearling bulls to breed beef cows. This part discusses genetic selection and the management of yearling bulls in the breeding pasture. Use of yearling bulls can accelerate genetic improvement. In particular, bulls can be selected to promote calving ease. Well-grown, 14- to 15-month-old bulls can each successfully settle at least 25 cows during a confined breeding period. Young bulls with high libido can withstand considerably higher mating loads. Bulls in multiple-sire pastures tend to mount a larger percentage of estrous females. Also, multiple sires provide some protection against production loss in the event of illness, lameness, or penile injury
Part I of this two-part presentation discussed fertility assessment and the economics of using yearling bulls to breed beef cows. This part discusses genetic selection and the management of yearling bulls in the breeding pasture. Use of yearling bulls can accelerate genetic improvement. In particular, bulls can be selected to promote calving ease. Well-grown, 14- to 15-month-old bulls can each successfully settle at least 25 cows during a confined breeding period. Young bulls with high libido can withstand considerably higher mating loads. Bulls in multiple-sire pastures tend to mount a larger percentage of estrous females. Also, multiple sires provide some protection against production loss in the event of illness, lameness, or penile injury
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