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Farmers feeding spring-born bulls for slaughter should now move animals on to ad-lib levels, if they have not already done so.
In the final 70 to 100 days, the most important part of the finishing diet is energy, not protein. To help improve fat cover on bulls prior to slaughter, feeding a high barley and maize ration is recommended.
There is no advantage to feeding a ration over 13% protein, as this will only serve to keep animals laying down lean muscle.
Never run empty
When feeding meals on an ad-lib basis, it is important the feed trough never runs empty. Also, ensure bulls have plenty of fresh fibre, such as straw, and make sure water troughs are always clean.
Bulls on ad-lib concentrates can drink as much as six litres of water for every 1kg of meal eaten. If water intake is restricted, feed intake and weight gain will suffer.
Move bulls on to ad-lib meals over a period of seven to 10 days, increasing meal allowance by 1kg every couple of days to avoid digestive upsets.
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