Send us a text

In this episode of 'Digging Deeper,' host Al sits down with Chelsea to discuss the latest developments and best practices in managing bulls and rams for breeding. Chelsea highlights the increased workload in the business and delves into various veterinary procedures and observations, including bull testing, body condition scoring, and addressing common reproductive issues such as malpresentations, uterine twists, and episiotomies. The conversation also covers seasonal impacts on cattle management, importance of pre-joining body condition for bulls, practical tips for bull and ram vaccination, drenching, and social grouping ahead of breeding seasons. The episode concludes with a brief discussion on Ram testing, highlighting similarities and differences with bull management, and underscores the importance of proper nutrition, foot care, and structural soundness for optimal reproductive performance.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:53 Current Busy Season

02:00 Challenges in Calving

04:44 Bull Testing and Pre-Joining Conditions

07:31 Semen Quality and Body Condition

12:47 Structural Issues in Bulls

17:37 Vaccinations and Biosecurity

23:26 Bull Nutrition and Management

25:39 Reducing Stress in Animal Transport

26:47 Bull Ratios and Paddock Size

27:57 Selecting Bulls for Breeding

29:34 Bull Morphology Testing

30:52 Challenges with Young Bulls

32:24 Retesting Bulls and Morphology

34:41 Rams: Body Condition and Health

38:28 Drenching and Shearing Rams

41:04 Rams: Social Grouping and Ratios

44:26 Surprising Dairy Statistics