Feeding Yearling Bulls

Yearling bulls should be fed more liberally than mature bulls, because their growth requirements must be met before any improvement in condition can take place. From 18 months to 3 years of age, bulls should consume 2 to 2 1/2 percent of their body weight daily in dry matter of a complete diet, so they continue to gain about 1 3/4 to 2 pounds per day. Yearling bulls should be fed a grain mixture at the rate of 1 to 1 ½ percent of their body weight daily, with the percentage of grain decreased and the percentage of roughage increased gradually as they mature. Regardless of condition, the young bull's daily requirement of protein, minerals,and vitamins may not be met without concentrates. During the spring and summer grazing seasons, good pasture will provide most of the yearling bulls' nutritional needs, however; they usually require some supplemental grain (5 lb per day) to maintain satisfactory flesh. If used sparingly during their first breeding season, yearling bulls are likely to lose 50 to 100 lb during the breeding season. Therefore, they must regain this weight in addition to maintaining normal growth and development in preparation for the next breeding season. Again, diets should be growthpromoting rather than fattening.

Source:

Development and Management of Bulls
EDITED By J.W. Lemaster and R.S. Sand