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Post by bigblue on Nov 4, 2011 7:44:43 GMT -5
JUst wondering how long is too long to wait to band a bull calf or is there a better method. I have a bull calf born in June, when will he start "acting like a bull" to the point that I have to worry about having him around (or will I). So far he has been no problem and appears to have a good disposition but I have no experience with Dexters. Thanks for any advice  |
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Post by marion on Nov 4, 2011 10:26:07 GMT -5
I elastrate mine at a few days old. Any that have been left entire for any reason and destined to be steers, I get the vet to 'cut' in the fall/winter when the weather cools down and flies are gone..marion
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Post by bigblue on Nov 4, 2011 19:39:44 GMT -5
Thanks, a lot of things I didnt know.I was thinking about banding him in the very near future (days) he's almost 6 months old would you recommend banding or cutting at this age. I have banded bulls before, the cutting I would leave to the vet. thanks again for the info. it's invaluable. Hopefully someday I will be able to offer advice here, until then bear with me  |
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Post by fish on Nov 5, 2011 17:55:26 GMT -5
great information! I have a bull calf for sale and I kept him intact for options. He is registered if someone wanted him for breeding. It is good to know keeping him intact will help him grow. If he doesn't sell...., the freezer, the other option!
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Post by ctownson on Nov 6, 2011 6:50:05 GMT -5
Yes, you can still band at that age. Follow the advice given above. We try to band as early as possible, usually within the first few weeks. There are lots of different devices you can purchase - they range in price from about $25 all the way up to a few hundred dollars. This is a fairly straight-forward procedure and one that most folks can do themselves.
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Post by rezzfullacres on Nov 6, 2011 9:38:55 GMT -5
I tend not to band anything until they are 6 months old or so....Bull calves put on more poundage faster than steer calves do.. We than use a calitrate bander, it is expensive to buy but it pays for itself in the long run.. We have been using this method for about 10 years or so and I could not be happier with the results...The feed store around here used to rent one for $10 plus the cost of the bands..It will pay for itself if you have several calves a year, not real cost effective if you only have 1 cow or so.. As far as when he will start acting like a bull that depends on the calf, some mature earlier than others but usually if they are still nursing they stay pretty mellow, just remember that you do not want to make him your friend, you want him to respect you..A bull that sees you as a "friend" is the most dangerous bull there is.....Good luck to you.
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Post by copperhead on Nov 6, 2011 21:23:24 GMT -5
I take mine to the vet at around 6 mos or a little over, they are banded, de-horned (if horned)vaccinated, and wormed, all done and ready to keep right on growing into wonderfull beef
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Post by fish on Nov 6, 2011 21:47:33 GMT -5
some forget the basic reason for a cow-meat. I have had very good bull calves, but it won't bother me a bit to turn him into choice cuts. I also would rather eat an inferior bull than have it breed. It is a matter of keeping my small herd good. I think most would want a quality herd whether it is 3 cows or 20.
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Post by bigblue on Nov 14, 2011 11:13:14 GMT -5
Thanks for the info I banded the calf yesterday he (the calf) did a great job, thought it was going to be a lot worse. Thanks again for all the help
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Post by mel on Aug 15, 2021 21:10:37 GMT -5
I have a 5 month old dexter bull calf. I am looking for advice on how to band him ? Do you put him in the squeeze or? He is a small little guy at about 139-150 lbs. any advice would be appreciated. We also have a 5 month old heifer and I don’t obviously want him doing anything with her and too hard to separate as we are on smaller farm.
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