G&L Cattle":1b7jogkd said:
We wean our replacements at 5mos and put them with a good bull at 15mos. We now have some that are past due to calve if they bred at that time. Is this a problem? (I have my culling shoes on) How far past two years old should we allow?
Have a GOD Blessed Day!
G&L
Well it works like this with me.
If they are bred they will calve.
If they are not bred they will have to be bred again - then you have to wait another +/- 9 months.
Good bull? Was he semen tested? How was the percentage of "good stuff", motility, etc?
I may have more to say if you answer the above questions.
The way I look at it I might just toss the opens if I figure I have to wait another season. Why pay to feed something that is freeloading?
It never hurts to have a little extra cash laying around.
How over due? A week, or two months?
If they were exposed to this good bull and did not catch - I am not so sure I would want to give them a second chance. I like them to catch first time around - and they tend to stay in the herd and that promotes a fertile cow herd.
It is not so much a matter of "are they good animals that might catch the second time around".
It is a matter of pure economics. What is the feed cost, the yardage, the potential veterinarian care cost (always that chance), machinery costs and so on?
If you are in it to make money you will base your decisions on finances using your brain.
If you are in it for a hobby you might make the decision based on sentimental values using your heart.
Up to you - but I am a finance and brain calculator - errrrr .....
At least most of the time!
In closing - have to ask again - Is that bull really up to snuff? Hard to blame the cows without knowing the whole story.
Bez!