Bull

Gz100

Hi, I am young part time farmer with thirteen cows, I am mulling over the decision about buying a 15month old abx bull. I would appreciate any advise on the purchase.

Mac Taylor

What sort of facilities have you?. For 13 cows, AI could be the best option. Best of genetics available and you could pick the best bull for each cow.

Gz100

Mac Taylor wrote: »

What sort of facilities have you?. For 13 cows, AI could be the best option. Best of genetics available and you could pick the best bull for each cow.

The reason I am thinking of going down this route is beacause my new job is a four hour round trip. Time is the problem....
My biggest concern is the management of the bull, would you just treat him like any other purchase?

Bizzum

Am I right to assume ABX is the sire AI code and it's a Holstein bull you're buying?

Gz100

Bizzum wrote: »

Am I right to assume ABX is the sire AI code and it's a Holstein bull you're buying?

No and No.why you ask?

whelan1

so what is abx

ci985

I have sixteen suckler cows bought my first ch bull five years ago just changed him this year for another ch!!
Would never go back to AI had some very mixed quailty calves from AI when I was using them!
Only thing you need for the bull is good fences to keep him from the neighbours! Personally I
electric feneced the whole boundry of my land and put a good mains fencer on and no trouble what so ever!!
Just keep a good condition on him before he runs with the cows and the job will be oxo! I have had no empty cows
since buying the bull which is more than i can say about the last year i used AI!!

Gz100

ci985 wrote: »

I have sixteen suckler cows bought my first ch bull five years ago just changed him this year for another ch!!
Would never go back to AI had some very mixed quailty calves from AI when I was using them!
Only thing you need for the bull is good fences to keep him from the neighbours! Personally I
electric feneced the whole boundry of my land and put a good mains fencer on and no trouble what so ever!!
Just keep a good condition on him before he runs with the cows and the job will be oxo! I have had no empty cows
since buying the bull which is more than i can say about the last year i used AI!!

Yeah i figured the fences would be required alrite, when you say keep a good condition on him?I was planning on letting him out as soon as I bought him,figured it may take abit of the sting out of him eh although he seems quiet enough, but you never know eh.

Bizzum

whelan1 wrote: »

so what is abx

This has me stumped too.
Not Aubrac X surely?

pakalasa

adx, Ardlea Dan, AI Lim bull ??

Bizzum

pakalasa wrote: »

adx, Ardlea Dan, AI Lim bull ??

What about a prize for the correct answer?
I like the ADX answer.

tismesoitis

I'm with the ADX theory:D

Dunedin

Gz100 wrote: »

Hi, I am young part time farmer with thirteen cows, I am mulling over the decision about buying a 15month old abx bull. I would appreciate any advise on the purchase.

given that you're a PT farmer with a 4 hour commute and throw in an 8 hour day, that's 12 hours away from the farm as a min. You'll have very few cow's in calf using AI as you will just not see them bulling no matter how you think you will.

If you want calves, then a Bull is your only job. However, for 13 cows, it doesn't justify you paying huge money on one - 2k will get you a decent limo or maybe less even.

as a word of warning, never take chances with a bull however quiet he may seem. that means always have an escape route via gate or hole in ditch and stay that side of him when herding - ALWAYS HAVE A STICK in your hand when herding, just get in the habit of bringing it with you. Bulls are also most dangerous in the evening as that is when they are most horniest and beware of him especially in the latter days of summer when he has all the cows served and he has no work.

lastly, if you have to do any work on him e.g. inject him, pair a foot, etc. Try get a neighbour to do it. he most likely won't enjoy it and if you do it, he will remember you for it so make yourself scare if you can.

Not meaning to lecture in any way but too many accidents with Bulls so just sharing a few tips.

best of luck.

colrow

tismesoitis wrote: »

I'm with the ADX theory:D

I go for Aberdeen Angus cross

moy83

A blue angus ? Be interesting to put him on good limo cows I think