What is the first word that comes to mind when you see a bull sale catalog in your mailbox? Usually, I hear responses like “profitable,” “cost-effective,” “traditional” or "necessary." Each of these responses has merit within the modern cattle industry. However, as a progressive cattle manager, consider these key factors for your next bull purchase.
Successfully managing bull development often relies on a thorough understanding and correct implementation of nutrition management. It’s important to note that no single diet or ration can cater to the specific requirements of every bull. Body condition scores (BCS) use a scale of 1 to 9 to rank animals from severely emaciated (1) to severely obese (9). Considering BCS, bull development nutrition groups are typically established based on specific nutritional needs. Factors such as field conditions, lots or confinement feeding play a crucial role. It’s important to note that muddy and manure-filled lots at outdoor facilities are the least ideal environments for bull development. In such conditions, there’s a risk of irreversible damage occurring despite the bull’s genetic potential for foot and leg structure.
Most bulls found in mailed catalogs are yearlings, typically around 13 months old at the time of sale. Producers aim to acquire the latest genetic data and expected progeny differences (EPDs) to enhance the marketability of their herds, regardless of their involvement in the beef industry sectors. A crucial consideration is the breeding soundness exam, which involves a veterinarian assessing the potential reproductive capacity of the bull approximately one month before the breeding season commences. The exam includes an evaluation of the entire reproductive tract, with particular emphasis on the scrotal circumference (SC) measured in centimeters. The Society of Theriogenology stipulates minimum SC benchmarks for different age groups, requiring bulls under 14 months to have an SC of at least 30 centimeters, those aged 15 to 18 months to have an SC of at least 31 centimeters and mature 2-year-old bulls to have a minimum SC of 34 centimeters. Research conducted in the early 2000s revealed a 35% difference in semen quality between 12- and 14-month-old bulls, a 65% difference between 14- and 16-month-olds and a 95% difference between 12- and 16-month-old bulls.
One important factor to consider for profitability is the utilization of subfertile bulls. For each 21-day cycle of the breeding season a cow remains infertile, there is a potential loss of approximately 55 pounds of weaning weight for the subsequent year when the specific calf is eventually conceived. This underscores the urgency of investing in a bull with high reproductive capacity, as a prompt and efficient investment can significantly enhance the operation’s profitability.
If incorporating a purchased bull into your cow herd, managing the bull during and after the breeding season is crucial. Many producers opt for timed breeding seasons, typically lasting 45 to 60 days. The challenge lies in managing the bull’s changing body condition during this period. Depending on the length of the season and the workload, bulls can lose a significant amount of weight, ranging from 100 to 200 pounds. Therefore, it is vital to focus on postbreeding season management to ensure the recovery and well-being of your young bull.
If you have questions about expected progeny differences, nutritional requirements for the time of year or critical genetic choices, your county or regional agriculture and natural resources extension educator or field specialist can provide the latest research-based information and trends to help your beef operation stay progressive and profitable.
References omitted but are available upon request by sending an email to the editor.
