31st Annual Southeast Colorado Bull Test Begins

By Bruce Fickenscher

Extension Agent

December 1, 2004

The 31st Annual Southeast Colorado Bull Test was kicked off on November 23. Fifty bulls from thirteen cooperators were weighed and entered. The 112 day test will conclude on March 15, 2004 with the last weigh day. After that date, the bulls will be checked for breeding soundness, ultra-sound measured for carcass data, and presented for sale on April 7, 2005 at Trail City Livestock, Holly, Colorado. All bulls have also been tested as negative BVD persistently infected.

Averages for the bulls at the start of the feeding period this year include: 263 days of age, 751 pound weight, and 2.87 pound daily gain per day of age. The performance testing program is conducted with the cooperation of Trail City Livestock, the Southeast Colorado Bull Test Association, and Colorado State University Cooperative Extension. Coordinator of the test is Bruce Fickenscher, CSU Extension Agent in Eads, and the staff of the Kiowa County Extension Office.

The bulls are fed a moderate energy, growing ration that is designed to develop the bulls for breeding use as yearlings. This ration allows the bulls to express their genetic potential for feedlot traits, but is not designed for maximum gain.

The Southeast Colorado Bull Test is a multiple breed testing program. The largest group of bulls is, again, the 20 Angus. Other breeds represented include: Brangus, Salers, Irish Black, Gelbvieh, and Polled Hereford.

With the three week adjustment period completed and the initial weights recorded, the bulls will be weighed at the 35 day (December 28), 77day (February 8), and 112 day (March 15) intervals in the feeding period. Reports will be published and available at those times. Data sheets may be obtained by contacting the Kiowa County Extension Office at 719-438-5321. We will also try and have some copies at the feedlot as time allows.