Make sure bulls get their fair share as well!

By Gary Sliworsky
OMAFRA Rep.

While much of the emphasis during tight feed and bedding supplies goes to the calf factory – the cow – getting that factory running is the job of the bull. This is an excerpt from an article by Larry Thomas of the Canadian Cattlemen magazine to remind producers that cheating bulls out of their fair supply this winter can cost dearly next breeding season. Mature bulls can get by with less than a pregnant cow in many circumstances, but they need the fuel through a cold winter to be ready for next season.
Like the cow herd, it is wise to group bulls for winter feeding according to age, weight or body condition score (BCS). Weaned bull calves up to yearling age will need extra nutrition to reach their mature weight potential and BCS come breeding. Conversely, mature bulls in good condition can be grouped together while the older, crippled bulls, if they’re to be used again next season, will require extra attention. Grouping them with younger bulls can be a wreck in the making.
It’s important to heed the warning that if yearling bulls are bought and brought home that they not be placed in with the mature bulls. First, the smaller yearlings are at risk of getting a serious beating from some of the bigger boys, and the result could be a dead new herd sire prospect. Second, these younger, growing bulls require extra nutrition, and the chances are they won’t get it having to fight the mature bulls for their share.
With young bulls it’s good to aim for a moderate or slightly higher rate of gain. In general, don’t pour the expensive grain to these juveniles and don’t over feed them. Too much feed will lead to excessive wastage which is very unwise with high feed prices. Also, these young bulls could get too fat and that is a common cause of infertility later on.
With local straw supplies very tight and expensive, concerns about bedding are warranted. Cheat on bedding and the risk of frostbitten scrotums increases, and that can greatly reduce the fertility of a herd sire. Bulls exposed to hard cold will expend valuable energy preserving their body heat so they need more feed to maintain themselves. During cold periods bulls on winter feeding ground will lose heat through wind chill and into the ground while lying down.
Loose, fluffy snow is a better insulator than hard-packed snow. Natural shelter, such as tree groves and brush, will protect bulls from wind chill and, in some cases, snow loads in these areas are greater than in windblown spots. By providing wind shelter, either natural tree cover or with man-made windbreaks, heat loss to wind is reduced as is the need for huge amounts of bedding.
In short, bulls need lovin’ too, especially during a cold winter. Mature ones may be big and tough and appear to be able to handle anything after this summer’s romp with the cow, but after a long winter of scrounging around for meager meals, these big boys could become wimps, shooting a lot of blanks next season.

Dates to Remember
Jan. 29 – Grower Pesticide Safety Course, Emo. Call 1-800-652-8573 to register.