By Gail Ellis 

STILLWATER, Okla. – Many cattle ranchers are turning bulls in with their cows and heifers this time of year, and Mark Johnson, beef cattle breeding specialist for Oklahoma State University Extension, has some tips for a successful breeding season.

“It’s always a good idea to do breeding soundness evaluations on bulls prior to breeding season,” Johnson said. “BSEs are a general rule of thumb and good management practice.”

Once bulls are determined sound, ranchers should focus on bull-to-female ratios: yearling bulls should be able to cover a cow for about every month of their age. At 2 years old, bulls should be able to breed around 25 females. From age 2 to 6, Johnson said bulls can successfully cover 25 to 35 cows in a breeding season.

“Cattle breeding season should be as short as possible,” Johnson said. “A time frame of 45 days is better than 60, and 60 days is better than 90.”

A short breeding window ensures calves are born within a tight range of time the following year.

As for when to expect the first calves of the season, it depends on the rancher’s preference. Producers should turn in bulls about nine months before cows begin calving.

“Last year, we had a lot of people decide to start calving later than usual after that brutal stretch of cold in February,” Johnson said. “If you want early January calves, bulls should be turned out the beginning of April.”

Bulls turned in with cows in May will result in a later calving season in late February and March. Learn more about cattle breeding timing and how to detect heat in cattle with Johnson on the agricultural television show SUNUP.

OSU Extension uses research-based information to help all Oklahomans solve local issues and concerns, promote leadership and manage resources wisely throughout the state’s 77 counties. Most information is available at little to no cost.