What is a bull worth? What is his 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 recommends four key management strategies to ensure optimal performance and success in subsequent breeding cycles:
1. Manage Body Condition Score (BCS)
Bulls should be at an ideal BCS of 6 at the time of turnout. Because one BCS unit equates to approximately 75 to 100 lb., producers should assess their bulls early and adjust nutrition to support necessary weight gain (often targeting 2.5 lb. of gain per day) to reach that “smooth appearance” before the season begins.
“A bull’s energy status, best measured by BCS, is important for breeding success,” Davis says.
BCS ranges from 1 (extremely thin/emaciated) to 9 (extremely fat/obese); ideal is 6 (smooth appearance) at turnout. For more information on BCS management, look at MU Extension guide G2230.
2. Evaluate Structural Soundness
A bull must be able to cover large pastures and stay mobile. Producers should assess feet and leg structure, specifically examining claw shape and foot angle on a 1 to 9 scale. An ideal score is 5; bulls scoring between 3 and 7 are generally considered acceptable for breeding and for producing structurally sound offspring.
“Because bulls cover a lot of pasture and cows during breeding season, structural soundness matters,” he says.
Additional information can be found in the Red Angus Association’s foot and leg scoring guide.
3. Conduct a Breeding Soundness Exam (BSE)
Schedule a BSE with a veterinarian 30 to 60 days before the breeding season. This exam evaluates the reproductive tract and sperm quality to ensure the bull is fertile. This is also the critical window to administer vaccinations, dewormers and test non-virgin bulls for trichomoniasis to prevent herd-wide health issues.
4. Optimize Bull-to-Cow Ratios and Monitoring
Match the number of cows to the bull’s age and experience. A young bull can typically handle one cow for every month of his age, while a mature bull should follow a 1-to-25 ratio. Once turned out, producers must monitor bulls to ensure they are actively breeding, maintaining their physical condition, and remaining free of injuries.
For multisire pastures, Davis suggests selecting bulls that are similar in age and ensuring they are accustomed to each other before introducing them to the breeding pasture to minimize fighting and injuries. It’s also important to monitor the bulls during breeding season to confirm they are actively breeding, maintaining good condition and remaining injury-free. If there are signs of poor breeding success, such as cows returning to heat repeatedly, rapid weight or condition loss in the bull, or injuries, be prepared to replace the bull promptly.
Applying these strategies to your bull management protocol can protect your investment, promote breeding success and support a productive and profitable operation.
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