CATTLE PRODUCTION 59 



A sufficient amount of grain of the mixture suggested for beef calves should 

 be fed to keep the calf in a thrifty, growing and well fleshed condition. The 

 amount of grain fed a beef calf varies from a handful up to 4 or 5 Ibs. at six 

 months of age. 



Heifers that are to be retained for the breeding herd should be bred at the 

 age of 18 to 20 months of age. 



SELECTION AND MANAGEMENT OF BULLS. 



Selection of Bulls. In the dairy or the beef herd there is no more im- 

 portant duty than the selection, care and management of bulls suitable to head 

 the .herd. In all instances the bull should be a pure bred, registered animal with 

 ancestors representing the leading families and the most typical individuals of 

 the breed. In no instance can a breeder of cattle feel himself justified in using a 

 bull of common or indiscriminate breeding. Beef bulls should be the progeny of 

 animals that excel in the production of beef and dairy bulls the progeny of cat- 

 tle that excel in the production of milk and butter fat. Improvement in the 

 beef and dairy cattle interests of the country can be accomplished most econom- 

 ically through the selection of choice bulls. 



Management of Bulls. Under some conditions it may be advisable to 

 allow the bull to run with the cows. In most instances, however, it is more de- 

 sirable and 'much better to keep the bull by himself in quarters especially pro- 

 vided for him. Such quarters should consist of a strong pen and paddock in 

 which he can be comfortably housed and permitted to exercise, and at the same 

 time be handled without incurring the danger of his doing injury to attendants 

 in charge. Bulls should be kept in a thrifty condition- but not in high condition 

 of flesh where best results in using them are to be secured. An abundance of 

 exercise and a moderate ration of legume hay, grain during the breeding season 

 and a small amount of silage not to exceed 10 to 15 Ibs. should keep the bull in 

 suitable condition for doing best service. 



The number of cows to which the bull should be bred during the year will 

 depend upon his age, condition and treatment, together with the distribution of 

 the cows bred to him. The bull should not be used for service until a year 

 old. The number of cows bred to him should vary from 12 to 15 during the time 

 he is a year old to 30 to 60 a year when he is full age. 



Frequently the feet of a mature bull get into a condition that renders it dif- 

 ficult for him to do service. A bull's feet are best trimmed by throwing him in 

 a manner illustrated in the accompanying cut on opposite page. Bulls that 

 are inclined to be vicious may be rendered manageable by throwing them 

 in a similar manner. At the age of 8 to 10 months a ring should be inserted 

 in the nose of the bull in order to handle and control him without difficulty. 

 Mature bulls should be handled with the staff especially dairy bulls that 

 are more nervous and treacherous than beef bulls. Handling and man- 

 aging the bull in a manner to never allow -him to realize his strength and 

 possibility of gaining mastery over his attendant, should be practiced to 

 the fullest extent. The disposition of bulls is in most instances a reflection 

 of mismanagement at some time in their development. 



