When to cut your bull calves?

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cjr

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Apr 16, 2010
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When is the best time to cut bull calves age wise?
 

hamburgman

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Feb 9, 2010
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if u don't keep bulls, then the day they are born.  Easiest on the calf and you, easier on cows also.  Some studies have shown bull calves to shorten the time a female stays in the herd, take them for what u think they are worth.  Also cut and don't band them when they are born is the rule around here.  jmo
 

LostFarmer

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Jun 20, 2010
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Eastern Idaho
I cut everything in mid May before the flies get bad here.  I don't keep or raise bulls so it is never a debate. 
 

flatwoodscattle

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Dec 12, 2009
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The younger the better we run 2000 head of stockers and when we buy them off the market 85% are not cut it takes a toll on them to cut them at 400 lbs I cut my personal calves when I find them after they are born that way they never miss a lick. Sooner the Better
 

ploughshare

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May 30, 2008
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589
The earlier the better, but I would not recommend cutting the steers on the day they are born.  The testicles have not yet descended and you have essentially created a short scrotum bull.  I would wait until a couple of weeks and then cut them.  Flies will only survive in dead tissue and I have not had an issue.  I have cut calves as late as 205 days and they get along ok, but its harder on the older calves then the younger calves.  I prefer to band them young rather than wait and cut them, but I have done both.  With older calves you will have no choice but to use a knife.
 

QMC

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Mar 26, 2010
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three years ago I banded a 16 month old bull after he ran with 10 cows.  when he was finished he sold the same as the rest of the fat cattle that day.  I don't know what % of the time it would work out that way.
 

showstick09

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Oct 18, 2007
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220
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Texas
Glenstory said:
The earlier the better, but I would not recommend cutting the steers on the day they are born.  The testicles have not yet descended and you have essentially created a short scrotum bull.

Would what you are saying also apply if you banded a calf the day it was born?
 

Alscows

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Jul 16, 2009
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Ohio
Amen, calicrate all bull calves while giving first round of vaccines.  Actually this weekend after our show/sale is over.
 

rasor club calves

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May 18, 2010
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262
Location
zanesville, ohio
when u cut them older they grow better i've heard we cut wen we wean , mid sept. , most born march to april. we cut the show steers with every one else
 
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