BULL DEVELOPMENT Bull Development can be a challenge. Many outside factors influence the development, including weather. We want the bulls to look the part on sale day, but not be overly conditioned. We want the bulls to be performance tested to see the differences in average daily gain, but we do not want them to gain more than is necessary. Most importantly, we want the bulls to be able to go to work for you, our customers. Finally, we expect the bulls to do their jobs well. The bulls go on a 90 day test in the pen between October 20 and January 20. That is when we collect carcass ultrasound data and yearling weights among many other phenotypes. Then the bulls are turned out on half mile long grass traps for exercise. These traps have the feed bunk at one end of the pasture and a water source at the other end of the pasture. If we need to, we shut the water tank off in the feed pen and make them walk half of a mile from water to feed. Many times, it isn’t necessary because they willingly have no issue going out and exercising. Developing yearling bulls is a strategic protocol because we’re trying to transition from weaning to performance testing to breed ready, all accomplished in a relatively short period of time.
Larson Ranch 22nd Annual Production Sale
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