How to Fatten Bulls for Sale in Kenya

Are you a livestock farmer in Kenya looking to make more money from your bulls? If yes, then you’ve likely heard about bull fattening — the practice of feeding bulls intensively for a short period to achieve fast weight gain before selling. Done right, bull fattening in Kenya can turn underweight cattle into heavy market-ready animals in just 90 to 120 days.

At Mkulima Jovial, we help Kenyan farmers raise and sell healthier, heavier animals using affordable and efficient techniques. Here’s your complete guide to successful bull fattening.

What Is Bull Fattening?

Bull fattening is a short-term, high-efficiency feeding process aimed at increasing the body weight of bulls—usually mature or culled animals—before sale. It’s mostly done by small and medium-scale farmers targeting the meat market, especially during festive seasons or dry periods when meat prices go up.

Why Bull Fattening in Kenya Is Profitable

• High demand for beef in urban centers and butcheries

• Quick turnaround time (3–4 months)

• Higher selling prices for heavier bulls

• Efficient feed conversion with the right ration

✅ You can earn more by buying lean bulls cheaply, fattening them, and selling at premium weights.

How to Get Started with Bull Fattening in Kenya

1. Select the Right Bulls

Ideal bulls for fattening should:

• Be aged between 2–5 years

• Have a good frame (tall, long body, strong legs)

• Be disease-free and dewormed

• Come from beef breeds like Boran, Sahiwal, or Zebu crosses

✅ Avoid sick, injured, or old animals.

2. Prepare Proper Housing

Bulls don’t need fancy housing, but the pen should:

• Be spacious and well-drained

• Have a strong fence or wall

• Include a feeding and watering trough

• Allow for easy cleaning

📌 Each bull should have at least 5–10 square meters of space.

3. Create a Balanced Feed Plan

This is the heart of bull fattening in Kenya.

A good ration includes:

• Energy sources: maize germ, maize bran, molasses

• Protein sources: cottonseed cake, sunflower cake, dairy meal

• Roughage: hay, silage, dry maize stalks

• Minerals: salt licks or commercial mineral blocks

• Water: clean and always available

📌 Feed at least twice a day and ensure consistency for faster weight gain.

4. Deworm and Vaccinate

Before fattening begins:

• Deworm the bull to eliminate internal parasites

• Spray to control ticks and flies

• Vaccinate against common diseases like FMD (Foot and Mouth Disease)

✅ A healthy bull fattens faster and converts feed better.

5. Monitor Growth and Adjust

• Record daily feed intake

• Weigh the bull every 2–3 weeks

• Adjust feed portions based on weight and appetite

• Watch for signs of bloating or illness

📌 Target weight gain: 1.0–1.5 kg per day

How Long Does Bull Fattening Take?

With proper feeding and care, fattening takes about 90 to 120 days. Bulls can gain 90–150 kg in this period depending on the breed, starting weight, and feed quality.

Estimated Cost vs. Returns