Bull Development

[hcrc]

Just thought I would throw out the question asking how folks develop their bulls? Yearling and two year olds alike? What have you learned through trial and error?

Zach

[strojanherefords]

I would recommend getting a silo and getting feed in bulk. What to feed and how much depends on what the buyers like. Personally, I am using a mix of soy hulls and distiller grains with some oyster shell or limestone added to balance the Calcium phosphorus ration and act as an antacid.

[guffeygal]

We do not feed our bulls very hard at any stage of development and they are running on at least 80 acres up to 160 acres at all times. We feed 20% all natural cubes. largely because we can get them easily and is the same thing we feed our cows. We only have one bulk bin that is very big. Feed from 4 to 5 lbs. per day from weaning to 1 year and 6 lbs. from 1yr. on. They get Hay grazer type hay in the neighborhood of 10 lbs. per day when grass is dormant and native and old world bluestem grass free choice when grass is growing. Buyers like the condition and soundness of our bulls. DO NOT OVERFEED YOUR BULLS AND MAKE SURE THEY GET FAIR AMOUNT OF EXERCISE. We sell privately at the ranch. If you sell in a sale either production or consignment you probably will have to feed somewhat heavier than we do. We would recommend you feed a fairly cool ration to keep the bulls sound on their feet.

[hcrc]

We are definitely heading toward grass/forage development with some supplement added. Two year olds is the plan - developed slow.

[cflory]

All bulls the last tens years have been sent to efficiency test in total confinement mono slope building with outdoor runs. They get call it a "high roughage ration". I took fall bulls up last week. The bunks had oat silage and distillers, not a trace of corn which surprised me as it usually does. They grow them as fast and lean as I have seen. I can't get that much growth without making them fat at that age. Never had a bull buyer say the bull didn't last. Longevity used to be a good trait to look for, now +80% of bulls will probably be shipped by 6 years old. A lot of 20 head, 1 bull cow herds ship bulls every two-three years so they don't breed daughters.
The data we collect from testing is really starting to pay off now that I am feeding my steers out. I doubt more than 3 of our buyers are feeding their calves out and reaping the total benefits.