Bulls eat grass, hay and other forage, plus a measured amount of grain or protein supplement when pasture or hay isn’t enough. Like all cattle, they are ruminants, so most of the diet should be roughage.
The Base of a Bull’s Diet: Forage
Good pasture or hay should supply most of a mature bull’s feed. Forage keeps the rumen working properly and costs far less than grain.
- Pasture grass in the growing season
- Grass hay or grass-legume hay in winter, with a bull eating roughly 2 to 2.5 percent of his body weight in dry matter per day
- Silage or baleage where it’s available and well stored
- Clean water at all times. A mature bull can drink 10 to 20 gallons a day, more in hot weather.
Grain and Supplements
Bulls in the breeding season, young growing bulls and thin bulls may need extra energy and protein. Common options include corn, barley, oats, soybean meal and distillers grains. Introduce grain slowly over a couple of weeks, because a sudden jump can cause acidosis, bloat or founder.
Don’t overfeed. A fat bull can have lower fertility, trouble mounting and sore feet or joints. A good target is a body condition score of about 5 to 6 on the 9-point scale going into breeding season.
Minerals and Salt
Offer a free-choice cattle mineral made for your region, plus salt. Many areas are low in minerals such as copper, zinc or selenium, so ask your vet or county extension agent what your pasture needs. Don’t feed minerals made for sheep or horses to cattle without checking the label.
What Bulls Should Not Eat
- Moldy hay or silage
- Poisonous plants such as wilted wild cherry leaves, yew, oleander and fresh sorghum regrowth after frost
- Urea or feed made for other animals unless your nutritionist approves it
- Lawn clippings piled up in a heap, which ferment quickly
- Meat or bone meal from ruminants, which is banned in cattle feed in the United States
Feeding by Season
- Spring and summer: good pasture is usually enough, with minerals.
- Before breeding: check body condition and add energy if he is thin.
- Winter: good hay, with grain or protein supplement as needed to hold condition.
Bottom Line
A bull needs mostly forage, clean water, free-choice minerals and only as much grain as it takes to keep him in good, not fat, condition. For a specific ration, ask your vet or local extension office. This article is general information, not veterinary advice.
Related reading: the best time of day to feed cattle, brome hay for cattle and feeding cattle a feed rich in starch.
