Bull Sharing

[aplusmnt]

In next 1-2 years I plan on growing the herd to the point one bull might not cut it. I would like to add maybe 20 fall born cows to go with the spring born.

Was thinking that two guys with small herds say 20 head could share all cost of a bull one guy run say 20 spring cows and one 20 fall cows. Each keep the bull for 6 months.

Might be away to cut cost and trim the fat as cost get higher.

Plus keep the bull happy and out of trouble.

Anyone do this kind of cost sharing on bulls?

We loaned our out last year to save winter cost and help a neighbor out. But was thinking of a more organized plan and cost sharing.

 

[FlaAngus]

are you talking about buying the fall borns yourself? How many cows do YOU have and how many will be bred in one breeding season, we have some men down here that keep half the bulls for the # of cows they have because they breed for spring and fall calf crops

 

[Victoria]

I am a little scared of sharing bulls. I worry about VD. It sounds like a good idea but be careful.

 

[aplusmnt]

are you talking about buying the fall borns yourself? How many cows do YOU have and how many will be bred in one breeding season, we have some men down here that keep half the bulls for the # of cows they have because they breed for spring and fall calf crops

We only have 20 head currently planning on increasing that to about 60 over the next two years. I might end up just splitting it into fall and spring and do some A.I. work to make one bull work.

But was also thinking along the lines of maybe us small guys with say only 20 head that could maybe team up with one another by splitting breeding seasons so as to utilize only one bull. Amongst two operations.

Or maybe those wanting even fewer than 20 head could go with the less popular season in your area and then coop a bull with someone. Around here most due spring calves so a guy with 10 head might have some success sharing a bull if he went to fall born calves.

I know disease is a fear but if you partnered with someone that had similiar herd management that should be minimized.

 

[KNERSIE]

running 60 head, you could synchronize and AI all of them, figure on a 66% conception on first attempt, turn them out with the bull, this means he will only have about 20 to cover.

With no VD risk.

 

[aplusmnt]

running 60 head, you could synchronize and AI all of them, figure on a 66% conception on first attempt, turn them out with the bull, this means he will only have about 20 to cover.

With no VD risk.

Even though it would really aid in herd development it would be pretty costly though.

Once we reach 60 head I will not be looking much at maternal breeding. Unless I gain some more land. Probably be using terminal bulls. And A.I. is to costly for calves you send to the sale barn.

 

[KNERSIE]

there is more cost to a bull than simply the price you've paid for him, there is also risk, especially if you own more than one bull. Remember that you need to reintroduce them after every time you've used them in different pastures with all the fighting and determining of dominance all over again.

 

[novatech]

there is more cost to a bull than simply the price you've paid for him, there is also risk, especially if you own more than one bull. Remember that you need to reintroduce them after every time you've used them in different pastures with all the fighting and determining of dominance all over again.

I totally agree with Knersie. A bull can tear up a lot of stuff and be very expensive to maintain. With the price of AI and the cost of semen the economic benefits are there. The added benefit is the tremendous benefit of choice. You can select for terminal or replacement. With only one or two select bulls, you will never have the best. Breeders rairly sell their best, so in theory all you can buy are their culls.
The best part is that I have never had to run from a bull in a straw. :D :banana:

 

[aplusmnt]

I am all for A.I. but from a terminal stand point I can not see how it could be cost affective. I would love to see the figures on how it could be.

Best I have figured you are going to have around $50 per head to synch and breed. With lots of extra work. You will still need one bull for clean up so all you save is the second bull cost.

If you compare it to keeping a bull for 3 years A.I. work would cost you around $9,000.00 for 60 head I do not think a bull would cost you $9,000.00 in that same 3 year period.

We do A.I some now because we are wanting the best genetics to be in the herd once we get to that 60 head point.

I have never looked into synching and breeding as large of a group as 60 head so maybe it is a lot cheaper. But just having a few done seems to be around the $50 per head price or more.

 

[backhoeboogie]

Anything anyone does that shares expenses, on anything, is a good idea. I'd simply be cautious of who I shared with. For me it is not so much an importance on 50/50 price share as it is cutting cost. I have loaned equipment and done pro bono work.

Right now I am beholding to a couple of folks who have done things for me. Can't wait to get even.

 

[novatech]

I am all for A.I. but from a terminal stand point I can not see how it could be cost affective. I would love to see the figures on how it could be.

Best I have figured you are going to have around $50 per head to synch and breed. With lots of extra work. You will still need one bull for clean up so all you save is the second bull cost.

If you compare it to keeping a bull for 3 years A.I. work would cost you around $9,000.00 for 60 head I do not think a bull would cost you $9,000.00 in that same 3 year period.

We do A.I some now because we are wanting the best genetics to be in the herd once we get to that 60 head point.

I have never looked into synching and breeding as large of a group as 60 head so maybe it is a lot cheaper. But just having a few done seems to be around the $50 per head price or more.

I think a lot of the benefit will be determined on haw you market. If all you produce is common calves for the sale barn then a bull will be cheaper. If you develope a terminal calf that is going to have a better grade of beef then AI should justify itself.
With a bull it is not just the purchase price. You have a constant overhead that goes with them, feed, vet bills, pasture,etc. (Basicly restateing what Knersie said)There is also a risk which should be factored in the cost, Low fertility, or death. The bull can be sold at a given period and there will be some return on the investment, Usually at a loss as compared to purchase price. You also take a risk in the genetics of the bull you purchase. The parents of the bull may be great but that does not mean that there genetics will be past on the way you want them. When you buy a young bull you are the one that is proveing his ability, or lack of. With AI that risk and others are greatly reduced.

 

[Caustic Burno]

In next 1-2 years I plan on growing the herd to the point one bull might not cut it. I would like to add maybe 20 fall born cows to go with the spring born.

Was thinking that two guys with small herds say 20 head could share all cost of a bull one guy run say 20 spring cows and one 20 fall cows. Each keep the bull for 6 months.

Might be away to cut cost and trim the fat as cost get higher.

Plus keep the bull happy and out of trouble.

Anyone do this kind of cost sharing on bulls?

We loaned our out last year to save winter cost and help a neighbor out. But was thinking of a more organized plan and cost sharing.

I think this is one you have to be careful on I think you have a good idea here in cutting cost. Camp and I do some sharing, swaping of bulls. Just have to keep it business. The problem comes in finding someone that wants to run the same line as you or breed.