Off-season for bulls means more than just lounging around 

Bulls are some of the hardest working parts of any cattle operation, and their time off needs to be a well-planned vacation.  

Jason Warner, assistant professor and Extension cow-calf specialist at Kansas State University, said ranchers have several considerations once those bulls are back home.  

“When bulls are pulled from cows, it is not uncommon for them to be observed less frequently and attention to them often falls down on the priority list,” he said. “The time in between breeding seasons represents an opportunity to regain body condition and weight if needed.” 

Two things tie into body condition—cellular energy used by muscle tissues and insulation against winter’s wrath. It’s important for bulls to be in top shape in the off-season.  

“Dietary protein and energy deficiencies, particularly when prolonged and severe, can compromise sperm production,” Warner said. 

Don’t forget about growth, as young bulls need proper nutrition until they are 3 to 4 years of age. They will typically lose weight more rapidly than mature animals do.  

“It is not uncommon for bulls to lose 150 to 200 pounds or more during the breeding season and this is acceptable if they are working hard to cover and breed females,” he said. “We just don’t want bulls to lose condition to the extent they start to lose muscle tissue because it is more difficult to rebuild muscle tissue, and it also puts them at greater risk for injury.” 

Forages are important to a bull’s diet, and many may consume 1.6% to 2% of their body weight on a dry matter basis in just forage. 

“As always, it is good practice to sample forages and build the nutrition program around that,” Warner said. “If bulls need to regain body condition, supplementation at levels up to 0.6% to 0.7% of body weight on a dry matter basis, in addition to the forage, may be necessary.” 

Warner suggested to start out at low amounts—0.2% to 0.25% of body weight—and gradually work up to acceptable amounts so weight and condition is gradually added back. 

“If at all possible, catch a weight on the bulls two months prior to the next turnout to determine where they are and if changes need to be made prior to the start of the breeding season,” he said. 

Considerations for fertility testing also need to be made prior to the breeding season too. But these tests are only a snapshot of the bull’s potential performance. 

“If they are conducted right prior to the start of the breeding season, then they give us the best indication of that bull’s ability or inability to service females for that upcoming breeding season,” he said. “Schedule breeding soundness exams with enough time ahead of the start of the breeding season so that sires can either be re-tested if declared a deferred breeder on the initial exam or replaced, if necessary.” 

Another check before the next breeding season is to address any foot or leg problems and eye health.  

“The key thing is to evaluate where bulls are from a body condition standpoint and manage them to ensure they regain any lost weight and body condition scoring prior to the start of the next breeding season,” he said. “If bulls are going to be used for both fall and spring breeding, then it is even more critical to assess their status at the start of the off-season in between breeding periods.” 

Moving into winter, make sure bulls have proper bedding or a spot they can lay down with abundant, dry forage to help insulate against cold ground surfaces. 

“Testicular frostbite can and does occur and if severe enough can cause permanent damage to the testes,” Warner said. 

Another item to think about is housing bulls together when they’re not turned out on pasture. Warner recommends putting them in a bigger pen or a trap pasture large enough to avoid injury, while maintaining soundness and athleticism. 

“When introducing bulls together for the first time at the end of the breeding season, try to do so in a larger pasture first before bringing them into a smaller trap or lot so the younger bulls can avoid more dominant animals as they establish their hierarchy,” he said. “If providing supplement in a bunk, a minimum of 2- to 3-feet of linear space per bull is necessary to reduce competition.” 

Ground feeding at more than one site can help spread bulls out and reduce competition for supplements.  

For more information visit www.ksubeef.org. 

Kylene Scott can be reached at 620-227-1804 or [email protected].