Pre-breeding Season

A herd sire should be maintained on a balanced diet year-round for maintenance and growth. Good quality hay, ad libitum, can supply these requirements. The buck’s activities during off breeding season are limited, but as the breeding season approaches, necessary measurements should be taken to prepare the buck for his active season. Depending on the condition of the animal and his prior plane of nutrition, good quality hay -- free choice -- and l to 2 lbs. of 14-16% protein mix will be sufficient. Supplementation should start as early as six to seven weeks or as late as two weeks prior to the breeding season, depending on the prior nutrition of the buck. This is because production of fertile sperm is initiated 40 to 60 days before its deposition in the female reproductive tract. Grain supplements should include a sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals. Trace mineralized salt should be provided free of choice and preferably in loose form.

Breeding Season

In the breeding season (which usually starts in August and lasts through December for seasonal breeders), activities of a herd sire are increased. During the breeding season, males engage in fighting other bucks and in breeding does, and may devote little time to feeding. They draw heavily on body reserves. Sometimes they stop eating during the mating season and lose up to 17% of their body weight between August and October. Breeding males may serve does up to 20 times a day and 350 services seem to be possible in a limited breeding season.

Providing good quality hay and 2 lbs. of concentrate mix containing 14- 16% protein and adequate amounts of minerals and vitamins are essential. The grain mix should contain 2000 to 3000 IU of vitamin A and 600 (IU) of vitamin D. Plenty of water and trace mineralized salt in loose form should be provided ad libitum.

Post-breeding Season

The herd sire should be removed from the herd no later than mid-January unless you are breeding year-round.You may start reducing his allowance from two to one pound of grain mix per day as early as November, depending on the animal’s condition. If good quality hay is provided, the animal does not need additional supplement mix. However, if hay is of poor quality, provide one pound of grain (16% crude protein) for maintenance requirements.

Feeding Practices