Pasture Breeding

 

Pasture breeding is a viable option for a number of cattle breeders. Pasture breeding is still used extensively on western ranches and in Canada. All cattle breeders in develop countries are utilizing pasture breeding almost exclusively.

 

The advantages of pasture breeding include less labor and less supervision - just turn the bull out and let nature takes its course. Documented serious injuries are relatively few. Bulls and some dams may acquire abrasions; both bite and kick marks may occur. The number of dams that can be bred to a single bull is often restricted to 20-25. Many bulls breed fewer dams than this anyway. A real advantage is that conception rates are often improved over those of bulls hand covered and especially via AI and/or shipped (cool) or frozen semen. The dam and bull decide on the optimal time for breeding to occur-- normally when ovulation is imminent.

 

There are some basic requirements to minimize injuries and optimize breeding outcomes. Pens or pastures should be safely fenced. Rounded corners and an avoidance of any obstacles or potential traps are important. Other cattle should not be in adjacent pens. There should be no direct cattle to cattle contact across fences. Enough space is necessary to allow cattle sufficient room to get away from aggressive cattle. Open pastures are best. All cattle should be barefooted and have their hooves trimmed prior to turning the stallion into the pasture.

 

The cattle selected for pasture breeding need to be of good reproductive conformation and free of contagious or infectious reproductive disease. Bulls should have a complete fertility exam prior to breeding to maximize the chances of getting cattle pregnant.

 

Inexperienced bulls can best be introduced by selecting an experienced cattle with a quiet disposition. She should be in full standing heat. Turn the cattle into a large, safely fenced paddock free of obstacles. Placing hay in the center acts as a distraction and may prove useful. Turn the bull in and keep them under observation. Be certain that no halters or neck straps are left on either cattle. Leave them together until the cattle go out of heat. In this way, an inexperienced bull will learn that cattle are not receptive all of the time.

 

Leave the bull with the cattle until they have had time to fully pass through two successive heat cycles - 45-60 days. Pregnancy check all of the cattle 35-45 days after removing the bull. Observe and maintain records when the bull is observed servicing a cattle.

 

Cattle with calve can usually be pasture bred safely. Most bulls will not bother a cattle's calve. It is important to provide sufficient space, thereby allowing room to avoid aggressiveness.

Basic health care, deworming and immunizations, plus proper feeding practices need to be maintained.

While pasture breeding is not for everyone, some breeders can use it to a real advantage. Consider the possibility in the right setting.