Management of Yearling Bulls
Pre-breeding Management
Provide access to dirt lots of 1 to 2 acres in size to allow for ample exercise prior to the
breeding season. This is IMPERATIVE. Bulls that are physically fit will have a higher degree of
sexual drive and will remain sound.
Allow bull to adjust to new environment for 60 days prior to breeding season.
To keep the bulls in good condition a ration which contains 11-12% crude protein and 70% TDN
from medium quality hay along with some grain supplementation, should be provided.
Breeding Season Management
DO NOT OVERUSE A YOUNG BULL DURING HIS FIRST BREEDING SEASON. “Rule-of-thumb” for
the proper bull to female ratio is 1 cow per month of age of the bull up to 3 years of age. For
example, a 15-month old bull could be run with 15 females. A mature 3-year old bull (36
months of age) should be allotted a maximum 36 females.
Age of Bull
Number of Females Exposed
12-15
10-12
15-18
12-18
18-24
18-25
24 mo. & older
25-40
The young bull is still growing, and therefore may need to be provided some extra feed during
the breeding season. Monitor the bull’s body condition and increase amount provided, if the
bull is starting to lose condition, but also do not let the bull become too fat.
Observe the bull closely during the breeding season to ensure the bull is serving the females,
ideally observing the cows once to twice daily. If possible record the date in which the females
appeared to be serviced, then watch these females approximately 15-25 days later as this is the
time period the females would be expected to be cycling again, if they were not bred previously.
Also monitor the bulls for injuries during the breeding season.
Post-Breeding Management
Evaluate the bulls’ condition and, if needed, feed and manage them in such a way that they will
be in moderate condition, a body condition score of 6 at the beginning of the next breeding
season.
-
Remember-
Bulls Are Guaranteed By The Breeder To Be Breeders If Well Managed. It is also strongly
encouraged that bulls be allowed ample exercise on dirt lots PRIOR to the beginning of
breeding season.
In celebration of our 60
th
Performance Bull Test, the WBIA Board is offering $100 buyer’s credit
towards the purchase of the high indexing Angus bull #58, high indexing Simmental bull #102, high
indexing Simmental/Angus bull #117, high indexing Red Angus bull #130 and the high indexing
Tarentaise #112.
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