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importance to ensure optimal fertility and performance. A young bull’s first breed- ing season can be hard on him, similar to that of a first-calf heifer raising her first calf. It is important for young bulls to get a little extra care to ensure that they are getting back to a body condition score of 6. A study by T.D. Rich at Oklahoma State University showed that if a young bull gets too thin, he will under- perform in semen produc- tion for the rest of his life. After the breeding season, bulls generally need some attention to restore their body weight and body con- dition. The amount of body weight and body condition that needs to be replaced can be considerable, espe- cially in young bulls. De- pending on the quality and quantity of forage available, bulls may need supplements. In addition, a good min- eral program is an essential part of your nutrition man- agement. Bulls need proper levels of trace minerals for good sperm production. Mineral programs can vary from ranch to ranch, but it’s important that you be famil- iar with local soil profiles, as they will provide clues to deficient minerals. Exercise Think of your bull as an athlete. Just because it’s the off-season doesn’t mean he can sit around, tearing up feed bunks, sleeping all day, eating everything he wants – and then when breeding season rolls around, he’ll just magically be back to his formidable self. Like any

athlete, he’s got to stay in shape and condition so that he’s ready to get back in the game when it’s time and he has the endurance to do so. A fertile but fat and unath- letic bull is not going to do you any good. In the off-season, whether your bulls are kept separate- ly or as a group, they should be kept in pens or pastures

with plenty of room to exer- cise. Encourage exercise by putting protein supplements or feed bunks far from the water source. It often pays to try to make sure that the bulls you turn out together are compatible ahead of time, so they aren’t spending all their time fighting when they should be breeding cows. PT

Junior Page Prime Time San Jacinto Spring 2019

SAN JACINTO RANCH LLC Huntsville, Texas DNA Verified Akaushi halfblood, 3/4 blood and 7/8 blood steers and females. Call for availability.

We have several unique Akaushi sire bloodlines – Big Al • Heart Brand Red Emperor Shigamaru • Hikari • Tamamaru

On the dam’s side, bloodlines include – Kazutomo 1KYU 92958 • Heartbrand T0326N • Haruko • Akido • Heartbrand V7427U

Come visit us at the ranch just west of Huntsville! SJ Carolyn & Howard Davis 713-542-7777 • 713-899-4232 HBDavisJr47@gmail.com

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www.akaushi.com • Spring 2019