Often bulls that have completed their productive life because of age or injury can be marketed to advantage after a brief period on a high-energy feed program. Bulls will vary greatly in condition at the end of the breeding season, depending upon the number of cows per bull, the length of the breeding season and the quality of the feed available.

However, most bulls will gain very rapidly and efficiently after the breeding season if they are provided with the necessary nutritional level. These bulls should be placed on excellent pasture or free-choice hay of high quality and then fed a full feed of the concentrate feed that provides the most economical energy source (usually a cereal grain). Concentrates can be fed at the rate of 20 to 25 pounds per head per day, although when fed at this level the concentrate should be split into two equal feedings. Start the bulls slowly and gradually increase the grain level to avoid digestive disturbances. At this nutritional level bulls can be expected to gain between 3 and 5 pounds a day for at least 60 days. Mature cattle also make excellent use of silage, if that feed is available.