What factors determine if a cow is ready to participate in breeding?
Age is a major factor. There have been reports of yearling cows breeding, but this is unusual. The most productive age is considered to be 3.5 years to 7.5 years. The pregnancy rate of a cow is dependent on age, nutrition, condition of the animal, and availability of bulls. Does the cow select the bull? As courting bulls approach a cow’s arena, they may announce their arrival by attacking small trees and shrubs. If the proper stimuli are present (visual stimuli of antlers, chemical such as pheromone, and vocalizations) she will allow the bull to approach. Then a very elaborate ritual begins which may last several days prior to mating. If she is not interested she will reject him. Do moose mate for life? NO. The bull remains with the cow, usually several days, until breeding has occurred. When she is no longer receptive, she drives him off and he goes in search of another cow. NEWS FLASH!!! B8164 was finally spotted from the air on October 25. She was in low willow transitional vegetati
