92 DAIRY FARMING 



The bull should not be allowed to run loose with the herd. 

 He should be kept in a paddock where plenty of exercise is 

 possible. A ring should be put in his nose at the age of about 

 one year. A bull should be handled carefully and firmly at 

 all times. Teasing should never be allowed. He does not 

 appreciate petting or unnecessary handling, and is best let 

 alone except when it is necessary to handle him. He should 

 be handled in a firm manner and made to respect his keeper 

 but should never be abused. The bull of a dairy breed is 

 more likely to be vicious than one of a beef breed since the 

 former are much more active and nervous. It should 

 always be taken for granted that the bull is dangerous and 

 that he cannot safely be trusted. The animal should be 

 thoroughly trained for tying and leading when a calf. He 

 may then be tied or led at any time later even if handled only 

 at long intervals. 



The main mistake made in handling aged bulls is in hous- 

 ing them too closely without exercise. Plenty of exercise is 

 the most important factor in preserving the vitality of a 

 breeding animal. For any but the most severe climates the 

 best housing for the bull during all seasons of the year is a 

 shed protected from the cold winds but open on one side. 

 Some exposure to the weather especially during the cooler 

 part of the year helps to keep him in good physical condi- 

 tion. Where it is necessary that the bull be kept in show 

 condition all the time, as for example in high-class breeding 

 establishments where buyers are present frequently, the 

 bull is generally kept in a box stall where he may be groomed 

 and where he is protected from the weather. Under these 

 conditions some provision must be made to exercise him 

 regularly or he is likely to become infertile. The ties, fences, 

 and gates should always be strong and kept in good repair 



