Tips for developing bulls

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Developing Bulls

By Julie Turner-Crawford Production of future herd sires begins before a bull is born When selecting a herd sire, producers look to what they want in the (CP) requirement as a percentage of dry matter intake declines. Younger bulls require highfuture. While some look to their own genetics for that future, others turn to producers who er protein percentages for the rapid lean muscle growth that is occurring during early despecialize in bull production. velopment. Producers should not, however, overfeed younger bulls. Overconditioning can

Either way, it takes time, proper management and nutrition to develop a bull to breeding age. be detrimental to future fertility and soundness, as physically fit bulls are active breeders.

According to the University of Arkansas’ Dr. Shane Gadberry, associate professor of aniTo determine the nutritional needs during each stage of a bull’s development, consult mal science, and Dr. Jeremy Powell, DVM, developing bulls is a substantial commitment, a with a livestock nutritionist or with Extension experts. commitment that begins before a calf is even born with the careful selection of a sire that Another advantage of separating by age is it reduces the chance of injury to younger animals. will complement the cow herd, and is expected to produce the type of bull calf desired. Physical evaluation Health protocals When considering the proper vaccination protocol for breeding bulls, it is good to

EPD numbers should not the be only reason a bull is considered for a breeding bull. know which diseases can lead to reproductive problems, such as leptospirosis, IBR, BVD,

Once the bull calf is born, careful evaluation is required to determine if the calf has a vibriosis and trichomoniasis. Gadberry and Powell recommend consulting with a local future as a herd sire. veterinarian to discuss specific recommendations. A parasite control plan should also be

Bulls being considered for a development program should be physically sound, free from discussed and put into place. genetic defects and exhibit an acceptable level of reproductive potential. Gadberry and Powell caution producers to make early identification of calves that do Bull Soundness Exam not meet certain criteria early, such as not thriving or meeting growth goals, as soon as Bulls should receive a bull soundness exam (BSE) by a veterinarian one to two months prior possible to reduce production costs. to being sold or prior to the breeding season.

At weaning time, evaluate bull calves closely, culling any calves that are low preforming, A BSE strives to determine which bulls will not perform satisfactorily for potential culling unthrifty, structurally unsound or genetically inferior. Bulls that meet or exceed the producer’s from the herd. Approximately one in five bulls will not pass a BSE. standards should also be evaluated for temperament. Nutrition Marketing When it comes time to market future herd sires, the more information that can be

Once calves selected for development are identified, the management process becomes provided to potential buyers, the better. a little more intensive. Information should include birthweights, weaning weights, yearling weights, sire and

Gadberry and Powell recommend separating bulls according to age, such as weanling dam pedigree information and performance, as well as any performance results, such as bull calves, yearling bulls, 2-year-olds and mature bulls. Separating into groups allows carcass scan results, EPDs and BSE results. producers to provide the proper nutrition to each individual group. Sellers should also have herd health information available, as well as information about

Younger bulls require less quantity but higher-quality diets than older animals. For examnutritional programs. ple, daily dry matter intake generally increases with increasing body weight, crude protein

what do

you say?

What is your top reason to cull an animal from your herd?

“Our business is dairy so we cull heavily any animal with unsatisfactory milk production.”

Dominic Wick Adair, Okla.

“We raise breeding and show stock. We cull any animal whose structure is not up to standard or will not have the ability for good longevity.”

Donna Pennington

Van Buren County, Ark.

“Because we want to keep our breeding stock customers satisfied and safe, our top reason for culling is temperament.”

Cindy Emfinger White County, Ark.

“A stocker operation is all about production so we cull any animal who is not gaining enough weight as quickly as it should.”

Will Norton Boone County, Ark.