Turning young bulls into productive herd sires
FAST FACTS
As bulls mature, their nutritional requirements change from those for growth and development to those primarily for maintenance.
Young bulls need rations with a high level of crude protein to ensure optimal muscle development.
Environmental factors such as temperature and terrain affect the nutritional requirements of livestock, young bulls included.
Environmental factors, of which herd management forms an integral part, exert a 70% influence on the performance of an adult bull, whereas genetics account for only 30%. This means that the nutrition of young bulls is crucial to ensuring a top-performing adult animal, according to Dr Francois van de Vyver, national technical manager at Voermol Feeds. He warns, however, that putting young bulls on high-concentrate rations
