How soon

[inyati13]

When do you release a cow that has calved out with the bull? I was told to not breed a cow until 60 days after she has calved.

 

[greatgerts]

You could do as early as 45-50 days, but 60 is a good rule of thumb. At 60 days, you can expect a calf in just under 12 months (if she has cycled by then).

 

[jerry27150]

some leave them with the bull year round

 

[inyati13]

Thanks. I know cattle growers in my area who leave the bull with the herd. They calve in the pasture and are rebred when they cycle in the first time. What is the purpose of holding them back for 45 to 60 days?

 

[dun]

Thanks. I know cattle growers in my area who leave the bull with the herd. They calve in the pasture and are rebred when they cycle in the first time. What is the purpose of holding them back for 45 to 60 days?

To have a more comsolidated calving season. Over a course of several years the calving season would be strung out and really screw up any consistant management.
Also, in our case we want to calve so that the weather is fairly stable (most years) and the calves are big enough to be able to take advantage of the spring flush of grass. It also reduces the feeding of hay to wet cows.