Winter Care Crucial for Bull Health and Fertility

As the colder months approach, livestock producers are reminded of the importance of proper bull management to prevent frostbite and maintain optimal body condition for the next breeding season. Bulls, often overlooked after the breeding season ends, require careful attention during winter to ensure their health and performance.

Frostbite can severely impact a bull’s fertility, manifesting as scabbing, discoloration, or sloughing of the scrotum. This damage compromises the bull’s natural ability to regulate testicular temperature, leading to decreased fertility. Providing dry bedding and sheltered areas is essential to mitigate frostbite risks under wet and cold conditions.

Nutritional needs vary among bulls, with mature bulls maintaining on forage diets, while yearlings require higher protein levels and nutrients to support growth and recover from the breeding season’s rigors. A comprehensive vitamin and mineral program complements these nutritional strategies, aiming for an optimal body condition score of 6 at the breeding season’s start to balance weight loss and sperm quality.

Housing and exercise are also pivotal for bull welfare. Adequate space allows for necessary physical activity and social distancing to minimize injuries from dominance battles. Strategic placement of feed and water encourages movement, maintaining endurance and readiness for the breeding season. This holistic approach to bull management during winter not only safeguards animal welfare but also secures the productivity and sustainability of livestock operations.