Curt Arens GETTING THEM READY: Proper nutrition and a breeding soundness exam will help ensure that your bulls are ready to go for this upcoming breeding season. Be sure to have your veterinarian conduct a breeding soundness exam. Bulls can lose a lot of weight and condition during one breeding season. Young and thin bulls, especially, need extra attention and nutrition over late summer and winter to get them ready for another breeding season. Kacie McCarthy, Nebraska Extension beef cow-calf specialist, said the overall nutrient requirements of bulls varies, depending on size and age. She gave an example during a recent University of Nebraska BeefWatch webinar.