Bulls as oxen?

[LeatherneckPA]

Can an intact bull be a tractable oxen, or will he be too "bull-headed" and dominant?

[bee_pipes]

An oxen is a steer that has been trained for work. The Foxfire books have some information on oxen - Vol II has instructions on making a yoke. There's also a story about a fellow that spent his life working oxen - tips ion training, matching pairs, etc. I believe he skidded logs with his team for a living.

With the exception of poultry and rabbits, you do NOT want to have any intact males on the premises, unless you are involved with breeding. This would include, but not be limited to, goats, sheep, horses, donkeys, cattle, pigs, etc. If you need to keep a male about for breeding or as a matter of self reliance, you watch them closer than any other critter on your place. Male behavior in most species is dangerous by itself, when breeding behavior kicks in you can cut that up a few notches. Castration (before breeding behavior starts) does much to reduce the dangers associated with male behavior and breeding behavior. Geldings, steer, wethers, etc. A lot of these animals are herd animals and need the company of their own kind, so a castrated male can add to the herd without causing problems.

We have enough folks around with rams and bucks that I don't need to go through the expense and extra work of keeping any intact males. The guy across the street raises finishers - he doesn't keep a bull. His operation is set to make a profit by purchasing the calves (?sp? calfs?), value added by feeding them to weight for market. For whatever reason he is not set up to manage breeding.

Nearby Columbia, TN was at one time the (self-proclaimed) "Mule Capital of the World". In the days before tractors, mules were prized because they were strong, sure-footed, intelligent and sterile. They do have their behavior, but breeding behavior was reduced by a greatly reduced sex drive.

Regards,
Pat

[fancyfowl]

I was nearly killeed by a Jersey bull when I was 4 years old, saved by a Collie dog. I have had bulls of several breeds over the years. Some were quite gentle, or so it seemed until they decidec once to not be. I used to sit on the Highland bull when he was laying down, he was just a big pet. Traded him to another herd and he became totally different, just a nasty bugger who had to go down the road. I wouldnt want a bull for draft., never seen one used, only steers.

[fnfredux]

I do believe any intact animal will be far too aggressive for any kind of work except reproduction. Testosterone makes for aggression, no mater WHAT the animal.