Page 13 - MWC 10-26-2023s

Focus on bull recovery after breeding season
The Midwest Cattleman · October 26, 2023 · P13

As fall approaches, it is
important to keep in mind
proper nutrition and care
of the herd sires after the
breeding season. This is es-
pecially true for bulls under
two years of age, according
to Iowa Beef Center research
scientist Garland Dahlke.
“It is common for a young
sire to drop one to two body
condition scores during the
breeding season, so bringing
the bull back into condition is
the focus in the off season,"
he said. "The bull is not a
feedlot steer so a steady im-
provement with a moderate tritional needs during the For young bulls, rations ter, roughage at 2% of body
weight gain over the next few winter. This also includes ad- should be formulated to gain weight, and total diet protein
months is appropriate." equate bunk or feeder space, half a pound to 2 pounds per content of 10%-11% often
Nutrition is dependent so the submissive bulls have day based on age, size, and reach the target rate of gain.
on the age of bulls and the a fighting chance. desired weight gain. Young For bulls used in both spring
amount of weight lost during Typically, mature bulls in bulls typically lose 50-200 and fall calving herds, young
the breeding season. High fairly good condition can be pounds during their first bulls typically need to gain
quality forage alone or a managed on an all-rough- breeding season, so prior- more with a target of 2 to 2.5
lower quality forage with age diet without supplemen- itizing protein and energy pounds per day to recover
some grain supplementation tation during the winter in their diet will promote from weight loss.
can work in re-establishing months, Dahlke said. Hay growth and subsequent re- Iowa State University ex-
body weight. quality should have 8%-10% productive health. tension beef specialist Chris
For effective management, crude protein and be fed at Young bulls fed 3 to 6
group bulls with similar nu- 2% of their body weight. pounds of grain in the win- continued on page 24