Yearlings should be left with the cow herd for 60 days or less. Beyond that time their condition will fall off to such a degree that it may have long-range effects upon their growth. After removal from the cow herd, yearlings should be kept separate from the older bulls at least through their second winter. Yearlings should be placed on the best available roughage, such as regrowth from hay fields or high quality hay. Their supplemental feeding regime can be equated to the program for bred-yearling heifers. These cattle still are growing rapidly, in addition to replacing all the condition they lost in the breeding pasture. Extra care and feed of yearling bulls after the breeding season will result in stronger, more attractive mature bulls with a much higher salvage value.

Two-year-old bulls should have more of their mature size by breeding season, so their ration is not as critical. A 1,300 pound 2-year-old in excellent body condition will probably only need to gain 1 pound per day at this stage in his life. To do this, active bulls may need 35 pounds of feed or more, of which 5 to 7 pounds should be grain. If body condition is at a BCS of 5 or below, the amount of grain will need to be increased to near 1 pound or more per 100 pounds of body weight. Again, make any increases in grain intake gradually so that digestive disorders are unlikely. Continue to monitor the total protein content of the diet and keep the concentration of crude protein near 12%. Depending on the forage available this again may require protein supplements such as soybean meal to be included in the grain mix. Monitor the body condition of the bulls closely and make grain feeding adjustments to reach the body condition score of "6" before the next breeding season begins. This is critical if the bulls will be used once again in a fall breeding season!

Bull Pastures

It is a good idea to have a bull pasture that is somewhat isolated. Bulls kept away from cows will remain quieter and will fight less. A pasture with adequate area also will encourage exercise and will reduce confrontations between bulls.