Curt Arens
GETTING THEM READY: Proper nutrition and a breeding soundness exam will help ensure that your bulls are ready to go for this upcoming breeding season. Be sure to have your veterinarian conduct a breeding soundness exam.
Bulls can lose a lot of weight and condition during one breeding season. Young and thin bulls, especially, need extra attention and nutrition over late summer and winter to get them ready for another breeding season.
Kacie McCarthy, Nebraska Extension beef cow-calf specialist, said the overall nutrient requirements of bulls varies, depending on size and age. She gave an example during a recent University of Nebraska BeefWatch webinar.
Curt Arens
STAY WARM: Making sure bulls have enough feed, minerals and water as well as protection from winter elements are simple steps in protecting your battery of bulls from frostbite and winter injuries. Keeping bulls out of extreme weather conditions is important for maintaining health into the next breeding season.
When you remember that your battery of bulls contributes half of the genetics to your cow herd, it drives home the importance of bull fertility.
Winter is a time of risk for bull health and fertility, so management of the bulls during this time is crucial, said Kacie McCarthy, Nebraska Extension beef cow-calf specialist. McCarthy discussed winter care for bulls during a recent University of Nebraska BeefWatch webinar.