What is a bull worth? What is that future calf crop worth? “Significant investments are being made in bulls, and the prospects for income from current and upcoming calf crops appear favorable,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist.
Nevertheless, Davis advises cattle producers to implement effective management practices for bulls as they transition out of the breeding pasture and prepare for future breeding seasons to safeguard their investment.
Davis will outline key management strategies to ensure optimal performance and success in subsequent breeding cycles.
“Bull’s energy status, best measured by body condition score (BCS), is important for breeding success,” says Davis. BCS ranges from 1 (extremely thin/emaciated) to 9 (extremely fat/obese); ideal is 6 (smooth appearance) at turnout. Producers should assess bulls now and plan nutrition accordingly. For instance, one BCS unit equates to approximately 75 to 100 pounds. Therefore, if a bull has a BCS of 4.5, an increase of roughly 150 pounds is necessary to achieve an optimal BCS prior to turnout. If the target time frame is 60 days, the bull should be provided with adequate nutrition to support a daily weight gain of 2.5 pounds. For more information on BCS management, look at MU Extension guide G2230, Body Condition Scoring of Beef Cattle.
“Because bulls cover a lot of pasture and cows during breeding season, structural soundness matters,” he says. Prior to the breeding season, it is important to assess each bull's feet and leg structure by examining claw shape, foot angle, and evaluating the rear legs from the side. These traits are typically scored on a scale of 1 to 9, with a score of 5 being ideal and scores between 3 and 7 being acceptable. Additional information can be found in the Red Angus Association’s foot and leg scoring guide. Davis recommends that cattle producers use bulls within the acceptable range to ensure success during the breeding season and to produce structurally sound offspring.
Source : missouri.edu