the breeding season. Younger bulls that are coming from a developmental phase, which involves a higher plane of nutrition, need to be “let down”
or acclimated to more of a maintenance diet that is typically forage-based and will allow them to enter the breeding season in good condition. Acclimation
to this new forage-based diet should be done over time to avoid digestive upset, which can lead to reproductive issues. More mature bulls should be evaluated based
Proven Genetics at Blackhawk cattle company
VRT Lazy TV Sam U451 AMGV 1079233 • Purebred Outstanding sire in Calving Ease and Growth.
DLW Alumni 7513A ET AMGV 1257046 • Purebred Carcass Merit sire with Yield Grade and Marbling.
BAG 201Y “Ferdinand” AMGV 1180529 • Purebred Complete package in all traits.
74 | February 2014
CE BW WW YW MK TM CED ST YG CW RE MB FT CV FM
19 top 1% -1.6 top 5% 74 top 20% 100 top 30% 41 top 2% 79 top 1% 4 2 -0.37 top 1% 26 0.85 top 1% -0.14 -0.07 top 15% 8.80 32.10
CE BW WW YW MK TM CED ST YG CW RE MB FT CV FM
10 0.4 52 79 24 50 5.3 – -0.31 17 0.82 0.20 -0.03 30.30 26.01
CE BW WW YW MK TM CED ST YG CW RE MB FT CV FM
9 top 30% 3.9 top 1% 93 top 1% 138 top 1% 27 74 top 2% 8 top 20% – -0.13 57 top 1% 1.05 top 1% -0.07 0.01 19.40 top 20% 54.92 top 1%
Using the best the breed has to offer!
top 20% top 20% top 10% top 10% top 15% top 3% top 5% top 10% top 15% top 2% top 4% top 2% top 10%
Be sure to check out our Bred Heifer consignment to the Iowa Beef Expo February 11, 2014 DesMoines, IA
Skyler Martin 1200 S. Blackhawk Road Oregon, IL 61061-9762 815•732•7583
MEMBER
on their physical condition and placed on a diet that will allow them to reach or maintain a body condition that will be adequate for breeding before the season begins. If possible, bulls should be introduced to the pasture they will be grazing during the breeding season (or a similar diet) for 7 to 10 days prior to being turned out. This will allow time for the rumen microbial population to adjust to the fresh forage diet and will alleviate transitional stress before joining the rest of the herd.
During the breeding season Nutritional management prior to breeding season is critical due to the limited potential to do so during the breeding season. During this time, bulls are typically on the same plane of nutrition as the rest of the herd. Mature bulls use nutrients primarily to support body maintenance, whereas younger bulls need nutrients to support growth as well. Therefore, younger bulls may require additional supplementation during the breeding season in order to maintain their body condition. It is not unheard of for bulls to lose 100 to 300 pounds over the course of a breeding season, depending on age, level of activity, length of season, and condition prior to the breeding season. Brief nutritional intervention may become necessary if a bull gets too thin during the breeding season and becomes inefficient in his ability to service your cow herd. However, removing a working bull during the breeding season can lead to an extended calving season and less uniformity throughout a calf crop; two very good reasons to ensuring a bull is in optimal physical condition prior to entering the breeding season.