Overfeeding is not recommended, because excessive fat can lead to decreased fertility and unnecessary feed waste. Younger bulls, however, may need increased supplementation to support continued development and growth. This presents an excellent opportunity to work with a beef nutrition specialist to determine a proper feed ration. According to Dr. Rick Rasby, Professor of Animal Science at the University of Nebraska- Lincoln, “Two-year-old bulls should have more of their mature size by breeding season as compared to yearling bulls. A 1,700 pound 2-year-old that is slightly under-conditioned will probably only need to gain 1 pound per day at this stage in his life. To do this, active bulls may need 40 pounds of feed or more on a dry matter basis, of which 5 to 7 pounds should be grain.”
Depending on when your breeding season occurs, utilization of high-quality forages can reduce the amount of supplemental feed required for maintenance and recovery. All bulls should have a breeding soundness exam prior to the next breeding season.
When deciding which bulls to cull, several factors can play a role. One of the most important is fertility and libido. Did the bull actively and successfully breed cows during the breeding season? If you have a high percentage of open cows after the breeding season, the costs per cow significantly increase. The age of the bull can also decrease the effectiveness of his breeding ability. Increased feet & leg issues, reduced body condition, eye problems, reproductive injuries can all play a role in the need to cull.
Quality bulls can significantly impact your herd after just one calving cycle, so decisions before, during, and after breeding must be carefully evaluated. The longevity of a bull in your herd can vary depending on your herd’s needs, bull health, and calving success rate. Programs such as the Florida Bull Test provide excellent genetic and performance data for bulls that participate in the program. The Florida Bull Test Sale is held annually at the NFREC Beef Unit in Marianna, with the next sale set to be held on Saturday, January 15, 2022.
Source : ufl.edu