Bull Development

[carla]

I have recently purchased some Gelbvieh cattle and I have 16 weaned bull calves. Any suggestions on bull development would be appreciated. I feel like they are getting a little pot-bellied. What could cause this? Any suggestions on feed rations would also be helpful. Thanks

 

[Scotty]

Weaned calves at my place all get a little pot bellied at first. Don't worry. 1st, what ever ration you choose put them on it slowly. Always allow free choice hay. I like grass hay. The ration I use is: 36 lb flaked corn, 41 lb sweetbran, 4.5 ground sudan hay, 10 1b cotton burs, 8.5 of a protein supplement. Added in with 10 g/t Tylen and 30 g/t Rumensen. IMO keep it around 10 to 14 % protein. Lots of info from extention services from several states.

 

[ROB]

ther are a lot of differing thoughts on this subject...here's mine. once our bull calves are weaned and eating good i will get them on a rolled corn and ddg ration running about 14% protein with free choice hay (in the winter). summer months i use soyhulls in the feed ration and no hay. free choice salt and mineral at all times, and have other vitamins mixed in with the feed as well. i generally maintain feed at about 1.25% body wt. so a 600 lb. calf would get 7.5 lbs. feed. i like to give the calves room to roam. preferably keep them on a steep sloped lot. anything that you can do to promote muscle development and strength is good.

i try not to push any bulls to hard on feed...take them up slow. that way when it's time for them to go to work they won't fall apart. i don't know how many times ive seen people bring home a good-looking bull that has been in a short lot with feed shoved down his throat. about two weeks after he's turned out for service he starts looking like a rack of bones and begins to wander off from the rest of the herd to lay down a nap.

ROB

 

[Caustic Burno]

My question is why do you have 16 bull calves? They can't all be herd bull quality or are they?

 

[redfornow]

My question is why do you have 16 bull calves? They can't all be herd bull quality or are they?

If they got them papers they are.
You know that

MD

 

[Tod Dague]

My question is why do you have 16 bull calves? They can't all be herd bull quality or are they?

Maybe he started with 32.

 

[bgm]

My question is why do you have 16 bull calves? They can't all be herd bull quality or are they?

Maybe he started with 32.

Might be the area, there's a sale barn about an hour and half north and east of me that you rarely see a steer. Lots and lots of bulls, I don't think there's 3 guys in the area that own a knife or bander.

 

[Caustic Burno]

My question is why do you have 16 bull calves? They can't all be herd bull quality or are they?

If they got them papers they are.
You know that

MD

Thats no joke another wantabee seedstock producer destroying a breed by registering everthing that hits the ground.

 

[redfornow]

My question is why do you have 16 bull calves? They can't all be herd bull quality or are they?

If they got them papers they are.
You know that

MD

Thats no joke another wantabee seedstock producer destroying a breed by registering everthing that hits the ground.

Its thanksgiving,
You have one more thing to be thankful for...

That it was a joke.

Have a happy thanksgiving with you and yours old CB.
Takin my girls to the grandparents in a few.
Then gonna steer a few of the boys.
Less to be thankful for from their point of view.

MD

 

[Alice]

My question is why do you have 16 bull calves? They can't all be herd bull quality or are they?

Thats no joke another wantabee seedstock producer destroying a breed by registering everthing that hits the ground.

How do you know that for absolute, positive certain?

Alice

 

[redfornow]

My question is why do you have 16 bull calves? They can't all be herd bull quality or are they?

Thats no joke another wantabee seedstock producer destroying a breed by registering everthing that hits the ground.

How do you know that for absolute, positive certain?

Alice

Cause he is Fred.

He knows all an tells all....

But I am thankful that we have him.
As you can tell I am in a thankfull mood today.
Happy to be playin this game called life...

MD