Prepping Bucks for Breeding Season: What You Need to Know

While we often focus on the does this time of year, your buck’s health and condition is just as critical for a successful breeding season—whether you’re doing natural service or artificial insemination backup.

Here’s how we prep our bucks at Goodwin Family Farms to ensure they’re ready to get the job done.

1. Clean Living Space

Before the season kicks off, we:

• Deep clean their pen

• Ensure there’s dry bedding and secure fencing (especially around rival bucks!)

• Remove sharp objects or tight spaces that could cause injury during rut

Bucks will pace, rub, pee on themselves, and work themselves up—so starting clean is key.

2. Nutrition & Body Condition

Bucks often lose weight during rut, so we make sure they start the season in ideal condition (BCS 3–3.5).

We:

• Gradually increase their grain ration (without overdoing it) MAKE SURE TO ALSO GIVE AMMONIA CHLORIDE so they don't get urinary calculi.

• Add extra hay and browse access

• Use minerals high in zinc, selenium, and copper

• Offer electrolytes or Red Cell if heat or stress is high

❗️ Don’t overfeed or let them get too fat—it can reduce fertility.

3. Hoof Trimming & Feet Check

Trim hooves about 2 weeks before breeding season. Bucks need firm footing for successful mounts.

Also check for:

• Cracks

• Thrush or soft spots

• Signs of foot rot or injury

4. Health Check & Parasite Management

• Run a FAMACHA and/or fecal test

• Deworm only if needed based on results

• Check for:

  • Testicle firmness & size

  • Scrotal symmetry

  • Any swelling or heat

Some breeders give CDT, BoSe, or vitamin boosters pre-season—consult your vet or regional norms.

5. Behavior & Libido

About a month before breeding:

• Watch for rut signs (peeing on face, blubbering, fighting)

• Observe mounting behavior and interest in does

• Keep young or shy bucks near does in heat to spark behavior

Some bucks need a “confidence booster”—a doe in heat or competition can help him get in gear.

6. Safety First

If housing multiple bucks:

• Watch for fights

• Have strong fencing

• Feed them separately or far apart to reduce stress

7. Record Breeding Activity

Track:

• Which does were bred

• Date of exposure

• Mark any repeats (21-day heat return)

• Keep notes on mounts, marking harnesses, or behavioral cues

👇 Final Tip:

Don’t forget the stinky season is temporary — keep your bucks supported, hydrated, and respected, and they’ll deliver strong genetics and healthy kids.

Have a favorite rut-prep tip? Drop it in the comments!