We all win some and lose some

I knew when I saw the hulk lying on the ground that I was facing a problem. The bulls had been so nice and calm for months and, so, I checked them by driving by at a gallop every morning and much better when I feed at night. I was certainly not prepared for what I saw.

I had to turn around and go back to the barn to get into the bull pasture and I was not talking nice the whole trip. I spend a good amount of money when I buy a bull and I always doctor one of the boys immediately when I see any sign of illness. I spray them for flies each evening, watch them walk, watch them chew and observe their eyes. To my knowledge, the entire group was hale and healthy the last evening. Not even a questionable cough or sneeze was heard and no snotty noses were seen.

The boys were all in the southwest corner of the pasture when I got there; and, of course, they were on the way to see if I brought feed. The hulk was still as death as I drove up, probably because he was dead. He had not struggled, just laid down and died it appeared. He was one of the bulls purchased two years ago from a ranch up north and trucked to us. We are right proud of his progeny and I was plumb sick as I stood there by his carcass.

The vet came by within the hour and we did a post on the bull. He died of a peptic ulcer that had perforated. I know that old boy never backed away from the feed so how was I to know he had a belly ache? I am so sorry that bull did not ever appear sick. We had all the bulls tested this spring and they were all positive and ready to go, and he passed that exam with flying colors.

The dead wagon no longer comes to transport our dead animals to Death Valley or wherever they took them. They will provide the service if you pay for the trip, but I prefer not to pay. My neighbor has a backhoe, so I called for his assistance and he came over pretty quick. We dug a hole and I drug the bull to it and we covered him up. Made me so sorry that I didn't know I needed to do anything for him.

I had to pen the live bulls so we could take care of the job and they all acted silly. The bellering and carrying on was sure to be heard in the next county and I was glad when I could turn them back out. They immediately fell into their usual pattern of grazing as fast as they could manage. I watched them for awhile, noting the eyes and ears of each animal. How can an experienced cattleman miss signals that are so important?

It is my opinion, and everyone has one, we all win some and lose some. The vet assured me that there probably were no tell-tale signs before the bull died, and maybe there weren't. I sure have slowed down on my morning check and not only count but actually look at each bull. I lost this time but I am not willing to do it again! Keep your eyes on your bulls, they are 50 percent of your calf crop and dead ones don't produce very well!

Bill is the pen name of the Gravette-area author of this weekly column. Opinions expressed are those of the author.

Editorial on 08/26/2015