The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Cattle => Topic started by: YorkshireLass on May 01, 2017, 05:45:09 pm
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Tidying up previous management choices :-\
We have a 3 year old who hasn't gone to the bull yet. Are there any stats on exactly how much overall fertility will be reduced in late-breeding them?
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not that I know of 3 isnt old. We can calve down at 2 however depends on the size of the heifer. Plenty of mistakes and bad decisions is really down to financial every year not in calf in a serious deficit. Put them to the bull/AI in July. I wouldnt worry about it.
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3 yr not old, many farmers wait to put spring born heifers to bull at 3yrs often 2yrs is too young. 2 and a half years often ideal for size.
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Thanks for reassurance, we also have a group of 2 yr olds who are way too small for this summer.
We're considering AI from next year so we can pick a nice easy bull for them!
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Yes, totally agree with everyone here. We have just put ours to the bull, the oldest being 3 years old, all so far so good. From my experience if you calve them at 2 and a half years old they have a higher chance of prolapse, this is in buffalo though, although I hear it can affect cattle too? My brother works a lot with black and whites and they calve 2 and a half, he says its better as the older they get the more weight they lay up and that can also lead to prolapsing.... A lot of conflicting info here am afraid :-\
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Three would be very old in a dairy heifer, as by 18 months they are generally well grown, as housed and fed for that purpose.
Bulling age is more dependent on size and weight rather than age.
Generally as they get older and fatter the fertility reduces...
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Fat is definitely not an issue. They are tiny in many ways :/
Fortunately we can afford to repair the herd over time.