Breeding question

[Mike Fronczak]

We have three cows that we need to breed shortly. They gave bith April 29, July 1, July 3. After what we went through with the July calves with the heat, I really don't want to do that again. I have a bull (in a seperate pasture), I know the cows have come into heat because he has been bellowing & moaning like crazy, he hasn't been aggressive toward anyone or anything (he is a real good boy). The bull is "unproven" if that makes a difference, his first time breeding as far as I know at least. Do I put them together now which would put me April/May or do I wait a couple more months to shoot for fall calves ? I was talking to the farmer down the road, in a nice way he really seemed to think Spring calves are the way to go, only difference he has convention cattle ours are Highland if that makes a difference. I was planning on waiting but after talking to him I'm second guessing myself.

 

[jhm47]

I wouldn't breed the July calvers till 6 - 8 weeks after they calve. Even then, they likely will not breed on first heat. It's best to give a cow at least 6 weeks to recover after calving (8 weeks is better). Nothing wrong with fall calves, you just need extra feed for the cows so they don't lose condition during cold weather. Also be careful that their teats don't freeze after the calves nurse.

 

[hilltopdextercattle]

We had 3 calve also; one April 25, one June 6 and the last one July 6. That is too strung out for me so I plan to wait until the end of November to rebreed, which should give us calves the next fall. I'm hoping to wean the resulting calves the following spring when the grass is growing good.