How you manage new bulls when you bring them home will impact their breeding success during the first year and for many years to come, says Tyler Melroe, Hubbard Feeds technical representative for the Northern Plains and co-owner of Melroe Farms Cattle, Gwinner, N.D., and Britton, S.D.

The keys are talking to the seller, taking possession of the bulls and managing turnout, he says.

Talking to the seller
Visit with the seller about these topics, Melroe advises:

• Feed. Every operation likely has a unique program for developing bulls. There is no reason to be critical of any type of development program, but it is important to note that bulls “tested” to achieve an average daily gain of 3.5 pounds or more will need to reduce energy intake. This will require a transition to a ration balanced to meet the nutrient requirements of still-growing bulls.

• Health records. Bulls should be well-vaccinated and treated for parasites prior to taking possession. They will require booster vaccinations on an annual basis for infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), bovine viral diarrhea (BVD), bovine parainfluenza - 3 (PI3) and bovine respiratory syncitial virus (BRSV). They should also be vaccinated for reproductive diseases such as vibriosis and leptospirosis prior to turnout annually. Purchasing virgin bulls eliminates the risk of bringing a sexually transmitted disease like trichomoniasis into the herd. Visit with your veterinarian for the details specific to your herd.

• Breeding soundness exam. Know the policy of your genetic provider regarding fertility testing. Bulls may be fertility-checked prior to the sale, or following the sale by the breeder or they may be your responsibility once you have the bull. Either way, it is important to make sure your bull is fertile and sound at least 45 to 60 days prior to the breeding season. This will allow time for you to work with the breeder or another provider to get a suitable replacement should a problem arise.

Taking possession of bulls
When taking possession of new bulls, two things are key:

• Deciding where new bulls should go. First, and most typically, this decision can be limited by available space. Giving them enough room not only allows them to keep their distance from dominant bulls, but also allows for exercise, which is an important part of the “hardening” process in preparation for the breeding season. Plans should be made to ensure bulls achieve a body condition score 6 to complement both fertility and libido. If an individual bull is segregated, make sure other cattle are visible to him to reduce agitation and stress.

• Nutritional adaptation. If you receive the bulls immediately off of test, it is critical you don’t turn them out on dormant forage with a group of bulls. Maintaining high levels of fertility necessitates that you meet the bulls’ nutrient requirements for protein, energy, vitamins and trace minerals. Considering that, start by offering them about 70% of the concentrate they were previously on. Work with your nutritionist or feed representative to determine what ration would achieve a 2.0-pound average daily gain to accommodate the still-growing animal. Also, consider a prebreeding vitamin and trace mineral program like your cows are receiving through that period.

Turnout management
When turning out bulls, do these three things, Melroe advises:

• Watch yearling bulls closely. Even if your bulls are fertile, make sure they can complete the process. While managing yearling bulls’ nutrition and body condition will help with things like libido and activity in the cow herd, you must also make sure that they have the physical ability to mount and breed the cow. It is good to note what cows are being bred and observe again in 19 to 23 days to make sure they do not return to estrus.

• Manage the breeding season. When you consider the activity level of yearling bulls and the declining forage quality available later in the grazing season, it is important you don’t allow them to get run down. After a defined breeding season, it is in the bulls’ best interest to remove them from the cows and place them where they can recover and recondition for the next season.

• Manage bull socialization. No matter what group of bulls is turned out, there will be some level of dominance established. One way to manage this is by running yearling and mature bulls separately. Mature bulls will obviously intimidate the young sires and hinder their interest in breeding. Some producers will run mature bulls to start the season and replace them with younger bulls later on to manage the socialization and nutrition, and allow young bulls to further mature.

Beyond the first year
Management does not stop after the bulls’ first season, Melroe says. “Continually be attentive to their body condition, structure, foot integrity and health. Bulls should be permitted the same attention the cow herd has regarding balanced nutrition and offering high-quality vitamin and trace mineral programs that improve fertility and immune function. The bottom line depends on it.”

Source: Hubbard