RINGING THE BOLL.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VIII, Issue 668, 13 May 1914, Page 2

RINGING THE BOLL.

Despite the oft-repeated statement that the gentlest bull can never be trusted, there is no reason why a bull cannot be as well behaved as e stallion provided be has had the proper handling and training when young. It pays to take pains with the future herd-header so that he is tractable and easily handled in service or in tne show ring. The bull calf should bo taught early to lead at the halter and should be tied up a short time each day, preferably when eating his grain. A light weight ring should ba inserted in his nose when he is from nine to twelve months old, but under no eircumstancas should he ba led by the ring until three or four months alter so that tiie nose can heal up well. Inserting the nose ring is a simple and short operation when properly done. First tie the bull securely to a post by the head and horns, then take a common trocar and cannula, well sterilised, and push it through the thinnest part of the membrane that neparates the nostrils, withdraw the trocar, leaivng the cannula in the opening. Put one end of the opened ring in the pointed end of the cannula, and then carefully withdraw cannula, which brings the ring into the opening, and after closing ring and putting in the screw, the job i 3 done. Before the operation, the ring should be examined and all rough edgeg carefully filed down so there is nothing to irritate the nose and keep it raw and bleeding.

When the animal is about two or two and a half yeaas old, fcha light ring should ba removed and a good heavy ring inserted. Iron rings should not be used aa they rust and keep the bull's nosa raw and sore. The best are made of brass or bronze composition metal and do not rust. In tying up the bull by the nose, one should be careful to avoid frightening him, causing him to jump back and slit the ring ou4 of his nose. It is safest to pass the tie chain through the nose ring and then up and around his horns, and when he jarks back most of the strain comes on the horns and not at the nose. —A Herdman.