100% Forage Raised And Developed Bulls

Here at the Open A Bar 2 Ranch we have been raising and developing bulls on 100% forage for 5 years and want to share some of our observations. Most seed stock producers (even those raising forage fed bulls) will claim that you have to feed mineral and protein supplements to develop bulls. We have not found protein supplementation to be necessary for our genetics and operation. It is very important to have the right genetics and plenty of forage available in order to develop bulls with no protein supplementation. We do provide for our bulls as well as our whole herd white block salt and block trace mineral but that is all.

We run our developing bulls just like our cow herd and older bulls. In fact part of the time while the cows are bred we will run our bulls, young and old, with the cows. This is in the fall and early winter when we run on stock piled grass and hay fields. When we have to feed hay we normally feed sorghum/sudan or alfalfa hay since that is what we generally have available. We try to feed our cattle only forages that are available on our ranch and have developed genetics that will perform in this environment.

So what does this mean to you? It means if you purchase one of our bulls he will thrive on the same forage available on your ranch that your cows thrive on without any supplementation or special treatment.

You may notice that our young bulls are smaller than most seed stock producers bulls. This is because they are raised the way nature intended and are not forced to develop faster than they should. A bull should not reach full maturity until age 5.  It is believed by many that bulls raised in this manner will be more fertile and have a longer longevity. Our bulls will continue to grow until age 4 or 5 and at that point will look better than most 5 year old bulls. Keep in mind that genetics are not affected by supplementation our bulls have their full genetic potential and are ready to pass those genetics on at breeding age.

I know that not everyone will agree with what I have written here and that is fine. But if you are a low input producer or want to be and are able to think outside the box come on by and look at our older Lowline/Angus cross bulls that have been raised in this manner I think you will be impressed.

LOT #1

A-2 Bloke - Registered 1/2 Blood Lowline/Angus Bull

Price: $2,500

Birth Date: 4-08-2010

Reg.: XM15384

Birth Weight: 85lb

Pedigree:Click Here

This bull is out of EZ No Limit 64N the 2006 reserve champion senior fullblood bull at the National Western Stock Show. His dam is our 410 Angus cow one of our best cows. 410 is a granddaughter of OCC Anchor and produces one of our best calves every year. A-2 Bloke is a thick deep ribbed bull and would be an asset to any breeding program.

LOT #2

A-2 Moolah - Registered 1/2 Blood Lowline/Angus Bull

Price: $2,500

Birth Date: 4-20-2010

Reg.: XM15385

Birth Weight: 80lb

Pedigree:Click Here