Micking is going to be a McBurger

Today one of our bulls is leaving.  He is a two-year-old red and white dutch belt, but he has outlived his usefulness on this farm.  We had him breeding heifers earlier this season, and he was doing fine there, but when we brought him up to put him in with the milking cows, trouble started...

First, he would start just by bawling and walking up to the fence where I was standing on the other side when I came out in the evening to watch for cows in heat.  A few days ago he added palling at the ground to his routine.  By this time, I told Danny that Micking had just bought his golden ticket out of here.  We know it is dangerous to use bulls for breeding, but it is labor efficient.  We aren't stupid, though.  If a bull is showing outward signs of aggression we get rid of him.  Danny asked me if we could afford to get rid of him (are there enough bulls left to handle the cows in heat?).  My reply was, "We can't afford NOT to get rid of him."

Then yesterday, if there was any doubt or wavering in Danny's mind as to whether we should keep the bull, Micking made it a loud and clear, "NO."   He gave clear evidence that he was herding the cows.  Yesterday, he wouldn't let the cows get to the water trough to drink the water.  He had all 188 cows herded into the corner of the lower part of the field, away from shade and away from water.

Here is a video of Micking showing signs of aggression.

I urge every farmer who uses bulls for breeding to please be careful.  Don't keep a bull once he starts showing signs of aggressive behavior.  You are not replaceable.  The bull is.