Are you thinking about bringing a bull onto your small farm? There are a lot of different things to consider. Based on our experience, these are just a few things you should include in your decision making process.
Is your fencing secure enough? If the bull doesn’t test the fence, a cow in heat will.
- Who will be caring for the bull? This may not be a chore suited for some children or anxious adults.
- Are your feed and water containers secure? Bulls love to turn over feed and water troughs. It can be very frustrating and even dangerous, if without water for an extended time.
- Do you have the ability to separate the cows from the bull when necessary? It is a good idea to separate the expecting cow from the bull before she gives birth and for about four months after.
Consider Available Breeds When Bringing a Bull On to Your Farm
If you are ready for bringing a bull on to your small farm, consider the breed. Make sure he is a good match for your cows. If the bull is a larger breed than the cow, there may be some difficulty during delivery. Ask about their temperament and then spend sometime observing the bull and how he reacts when approached.
Have you considered artificial insemination? This is a great option, especially if you live near a dairy farm. Dairy farmers often use AI and have several people trained as an AI tech. Often times they will come to your farm to artificially inseminate your cow for a very reasonable fee. A veterinarian can of course, also provide this service. Check with the AI technician to see if you will need a headlock (a stanchion work too). Sometimes tracking the cows heat cycle is a little tricky but I recently discovered heat detection stickers that you can put on the cow and they change color when the cow is in heat. A small pack is available for less than twenty bucks and could be really worth it.
Is Artificial Insemination an Option In Your Area?
With artificial insemination you can get to pick whatever breed you want. Many folks have great success with AI and never need to deal the difficulties of managing a bull.
It can seem a little overwhelming at first to decide what will work best for you. Take your time and research what options you have in your area. If you need help finding resources, your local farm extension office may be able to steer you in the right direction. It will all be worth it though, you’ll see. A new calf on the farm is so exciting!
