With mid-July fast approaching, the recommended time to pull your bull, now is the perfect time to assess how your breeding season is progressing.

Pulling the bull on schedule helps ensure a compact calving season, but before you do, ask yourself: Are you seeing cows returning to heat? Some repeats are normal, but if more than 10-15% of cows come back into heat, it could mean fertility issues with either the bull or the cow herd.

This is where good record-keeping becomes essential. Have you kept detailed notes of heat observations, mating dates and bull activity? These records help you spot patterns and identify if problems are isolated or widespread.

If repeat heats are high, it’s important to check the bull’s health and fertility. Is he active, free of injuries and showing normal breeding behaviour? Consider having your vet do a fertility check. If the bull is underperforming, you may need to replace him or think about introducing artificial insemination (AI) to improve conception rates.

Professor David Kenny, researcher in Teagasc Grange, featured on a recent episode of the Beef Edge podcast, where he provided key tips to be aware of over the breeding season. Listen in below:

On the other hand, if the issue seems to be with the cows, perhaps poor body condition or health problems, address those quickly. Some cows might need synchronising or extra care to get cycling properly.

If you are unsure on any of the above, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local advisor or vet for help.

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