Welcome, skip to the content.

Bulls: power up!

From hundreds of discussions that advisers had with farmers about bulls, InCalf can confidently say that not having enough bulls is still the number one issue. It is easier than ever to make sure you have enough bulls by using InCalf's Bulls: power up! 

Rule of thumb

  • Seasonal/split calving herds - using AI & bulls 
    3 bulls for every 100 cows at mating start date/start of AI or 4 per 100 if mating synchrony is used 
      
  • Year-round calving herds - no AI
    2 bulls for every 100 milking cows

Write down the number of bulls needed for your herd on the reminder card and pin it up in the dairy. 

Not planning to use AI this year?

You will then need a bull team of 6 bulls for every 100 cows, this includes spare bulls for rotation.

Tips to keep your bull team in top shape

  1. Have the bulls on the farm by mating start date
  2. Rotate the bulls frequently – e.g. run half the bulls with the herd at any one time, spell the rest, rotate the group at least weekly
  3. Avoid fighting by grouping bulls of similar size, age and temperament
  4. Always run a minimum of two bulls with a small mob
  5. Use bulls aged between 15 months and 4 years
  6. Vaccinate, especially for Vibrio and Pestivirus (BVD)
  7. Get your vet to check for Pestivirus (BVD) and discuss ways to manage it

Key resources

Farmer case studies