DIGGING DEEPER - Bull and Ram Health: Expert Tips and Practices with Vet Chelsea
Description
In this episode of 'Digging Deeper,' host Al sits down with Chelsea to discuss the latest developments and best practices in managing bulls and rams for breeding. Chelsea highlights the increased workload in the business and delves into various veterinary procedures and observations, including bull testing, body condition scoring, and addressing common reproductive issues such as malpresentations, uterine twists, and episiotomies. The conversation also covers seasonal impacts on cattle management, importance of pre-joining body condition for bulls, practical tips for bull and ram vaccination, drenching, and social grouping ahead of breeding seasons. The episode concludes with a brief discussion on Ram testing, highlighting similarities and differences with bull management, and underscores the importance of proper nutrition, foot care, and structural soundness for optimal reproductive performance.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:53 Current Busy Season
02:00 Challenges in Calving
04:44 Bull Testing and Pre-Joining Conditions
07:31 Semen Quality and Body Condition
12:47 Structural Issues in Bulls
17:37 Vaccinations and Biosecurity
23:26 Bull Nutrition and Management
25:39 Reducing Stress in Animal Transport
26:47 Bull Ratios and Paddock Size
27:57 Selecting Bulls for Breeding
29:34 Bull Morphology Testing
30:52 Challenges with Young Bulls
32:24 Retesting Bulls and Morphology
34:41 Rams: Body Condition and Health
38:28 Drenching and Shearing Rams
41:04 Rams: Social Grouping and Ratios
44:26 Surprising Dairy Statistics
United States
