15 March 2025

A teaser bull’s role in maximising breeding success

Teaser bulls can help improve heat detection, shorten calving intervals, and boost breeding efficiency.

These infertile but sexually active bulls help identify cows in oestrus, leading to better AI timing and a more compact calving season.

Some of the key benefits of using a teaser bull include:

Improved heat detection – natural mating behaviours and a chin ball make it easier to spot cows in oestrus;
Enhanced breeding efficiency – stimulates stronger heat signs and earlier cycling post calving; and,
Better herd management – more accurate insemination timing for a uniform calving period.

However, when opting for a teaser bull there are a number of important things to consider. Firstly, the bull should be healthy, calm and of an active breed. Additionally, to avoid the risk of accidental pregnancies, the surgical procedure should be performed by a vet at least nine weeks pre-breeding. Farmers also need to prioritise safety; proper handling facilities are required and extra care at herding is required as a teaser bulls remain active.

For more information, the Future Beef team have prepared a factsheet titled: ‘The Benefits of Using a Teaser Bull in Suckler Beef Herds’, which is available to view here.

The above was first published in the Future Beef e-newsletter for March. Keep up to date with the latest happenings from the Future Beef Team by signing up to its newsletter here.

Upcoming events

In preparation for the upcoming breeding season, the Future Beef team is hosting a series of webinars over the month of March and April. Starting on March 18^th at 8pm and on every Tuesday for three weeks, the webinars cover topics including: Pre-breeding essentials; breeding the ideal cow; and the latest technologies and how to use them properly.