2018 Midland Bull Test Edition by Wyoming Livestock Roundup

Wyoming Livestock Roundup

Page 1

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2018 Midland Bull Test Edition

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Midland Bull Test brings top five percent of bulls in 2018’s ‘The Final Sort’ bull sale

Columbus, Mont. – “Here at Midland Bull Test, we are passionate about our history, and it is our goal to share our stories, as it is this legacy that brings our business to life – our enduring attention to the essence of who we are and the philosophy we maintain,” says Midland Bull Test. “This philosophy was started with Leo, Sr. and Donna in the 1960s, and that’s the way we’ll stay.” Over 700 bulls from seven breeds will sell April 5-6 at the Midland Bull Test sale facility outside Columbus, Mont. The sale this year, dubbed “The Final Sort,” will feature the top five

percent of 20,000 matings, with 200 Salers, Simmental, Red Angus, South Devon, Hereford and American Aberdeen bulls, as well as 500 Angus bulls. ‘The Final Sort’ is exactly that, as we sort through the bulls again and again. Here lies the process that embodies the very purpose of Midland,” says Midland Bull Test. “The performance of bulls during the test determines whether they will clear hurdle after hurdle to be considered for ‘The Final Sort’ Sale.” Each year, Midland strives to stay at the forefront of cattle data acquisition and analysis, gathering more information and set-

Midland Bull Test schedule As Midland Bull Test gears up for its 56th sale, they have developed a full schedule for this year, including sales, socials and time to visit with other producers. A tentative schedule of events for the week is provided below. Wednesday, April 4 6 p.m. Social 6:30 p.m. Steak Fry, with High Country Cowboys Thursday, April 5 12 noon Red Angus, South Devon, Hereford, Salers, Simmental and American Aberdeen Bull Sales 6 p.m. Social 6:30 p.m. Steak Fry, with Kyle Shobe and the Walk ‘Em Boys Friday, April 6 10:30 a.m. Awards and Presentations 11 a.m. Angus Bull Sale

ting out with the purpose of understanding what that data means to producers. Bull test For 56 years, Midland Bull Test has measured the differences between bulls by observing and documenting average daily gain, genetic expression, phenotypic strengths and more, all with the goal of focusing on soundness and fertility. “In this era of genomics and expected progeny differences (EPDs) that we once only dreamed of, the actual amount of data can be overwhelming,” Midland Bull Test says. “One thing remains with the sale, however. Actual performance without efficiency is the true test of progress.” Midland strives to keep commercial cattlemen in mind as they select their criteria, using economically relevant traits to determine sale order. The high-roughage ration fed to bulls on test promote ultimate soundness in the feet and legs and also aids in achieving the highest levels of fertility. “Our bulls walk through the sale in fit using condition ready to go to work,” MBT explains. “Every effort is made to offer functional bulls that transition into the life of a successful and fit asset to any operation.” Feed efficiency An important part of Midland Bull Test is the use of feed efficiency EPDs to attempt to capture each animal’s genetic ability to put on more weight with less feed. “While there are many ways to calculate feed efficiency, includ-

ing feed conversion ratio and residual average daily gain, an especially useful way is residual feed intake (RFI),” explains Midland Bull Test. RFI adjusts for the animal’s weight and gain when measuring feed intake. “An animal that eats more also tends to be larger and gain more weight,” Midland Bull Test says. “By adjusting these factors out of their intake measurement, we are able to better understand which animals process feed more efficiently.” When selecting for typical growth traits, as well as utilizing a measure of intake in the form of RFI, Midland Bull Test explains producers are avoiding “double counting” the animal’s size. RFI is expressed in actual kilograms of feed an animal will eat per day. For example, if a bull has an RFI of 0.65, producers should expect the bull’s calves to eat 0.65 kilograms more feed per day than the average calf his size. “Another consideration is the accuracy of prediction in selecting animals,” Midland Bull Test comments. “Single trait selection is always a bad idea. RFI is no exception for this rule.” Further, Midland Bull Test emphasizes RFI selection should be used in conjunction with selection for growth, including weaning weight, yearling weight and post-wean gain EPDs. “This will allow breeders to pick animals that gain the most while consuming the least amount of feed,” they

“Bull that we develop today must walk the walk and tell their own story. This commitment provides our customers the confidence that our ‘Final Sort’ sale is just that – the final sort of topend bulls.” – Midland Bull Test emphasize. Sale day On April 5-6, bull sales start at 11 a.m., with awards presented prior to the sale. The sale order is determined using the Midland Bull Test Index and Estimated Sale Value. The sale order will be posted in advance of the sale, and a sale catalog is available at midlandbulltest.com. Small changes should be expected and will be posted online. The sale will be broadcast live online via Frontier Live Sale at frontierlivesale.com. Buyers who are unable to attend the sale can bid online or using telephone bid lines at 406322-9911. All buyers must register prior to sale, and new buyers must provide bank references. On sale day, anyone who needs information can reach Midland Bull Test at 406322-5597, 406-322-9044 or 406-322-9911.

Joe Goggins, Roger Jacobs and Greg Goggins will serve as auctioneers for the event. Kurt Kangas from the American Angus Association, Gary Fike from the Red Angus Association of America, Dean Pike of the American Salers Association, Will Townsend from the American Simmental Association, Jim Brown of the North American South Devon Association and Dean Pike of the American Aberdeen Association will be available, as well. “Whenever people see the Circle Running M Brand, they know that over 56 years stand behind it,” MBT comments. “Bull that we develop today must walk the walk and tell their own story. This commitment provides our customers the confidence that our ‘Final Sort’ sale is just that – the final sort of top-end bulls.” Saige Albert is managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup and can be reached at saige@wylr.net.

Index to results The top-performing bulls from the Midland Bull Test are ranked by breed over the next several pages. The following index provides a quick reference to finding results in this edition. Angus – Pages 4-6 Red Angus – Pages 7-8 Hereford – Page 9 South Devon – Pages 9 Salers – Page 10 American Aberdeen – Page 11 Simmental – Page 11 The rest of this edition includes information on a variety of bull and cattle management topics, ranging from breeding and bull selection to disease and nutrition management.

Selling the #1 WDA Angus Sire Group by HA Cowboy Up 5405 at Midland! MIDLAND

MIDLAND

OCC Montana Cowboy 7102

#1 WDA Group 1

#2 WDA Group 1

LOT 282

LOT 283

Reg # 18935173 • 4-1-17 • Sire: HA Cowboy Up 5405

Reg # 18935177 • 3-28-17 • Sire: HA Cowboy Up 5405

ADG Rat WDA YR IND SC Eff 3.84 111 4.27 126 110 40 97 $W 62.14 • $F 130.84 • $B 168.27 • Dam Prod 7 NR 106 • 2 YR 104

ADG Rat WDA YR IND SC Eff 4.13 119 3.59 108 113 41 104 $W 67.02 • $F 119.71 • $B 154.90 • Dam Prod 4 NR 104 • 1 YR 111

TREASURE TEST

OCC Ultimate Answer 706

April 5-6, 2018 • Columbus, Montana

ADG Rat WDA YR IND SC Eff 4.02 116 3.41 106 109 37 104 $W 79.17 • $F 115.10 • $B 153.89 • Dam Prod 3 NR 106 • 3 YR 104

OCC Active Duty 728

LOT 104

Reg # 18991944 • 1-18-17 • Sire: OCC Ultimate Answer 118 A full brother to this bull sells as Lot 102 ADG Rat WDA YR IND SC 4.62 129 3.63 109 118 39 $W 79.21 • $F 122.52 • $B 158.38 • Dam Prod 10 NR 105 • 6 YR 104

LOT 286 Reg # 18991945 • 1-25-17 • Sire: Basin Payweight 1682

TREASURE TEST

OCC Ultimate Answer 718

LOT 102

Midland Bull Test Sale

MIDLAND

OCC Payweight 708

OCC Montana Cowboy 776

Reg # 19041462 • 2-20-17 • Sire: OCC Ultimate Answer 118 A maternal brother to this bull sells as Lot 104 ADG Rat WDA YR IND SC 3.56 103 3.21 103 101 40 $W 54.52 • $F 60.17 • $B 116.52 • Dam Prod 3 NR 104 • 2 YR 107

LOT 105 Reg # 18935174 • 2-24-17 • Sire: RB Active Duty 010 A full brother to this bull sells as Lot 105 ADG Rat WDA YR IND SC 4.41 123 3.73 109 116 40 $W 64.17 • $F 92.65 • $B 120.34 • Dam Prod 4 NR 108 • 2 YR 110

Treasure Bull Test Sale

Wendy, Kyla and Kane Olson St. Ignatius, Montana • 406-745-2782 • 406-261-3782 (cell)

April 17, 2018 • 1 p.m. Western Livestock Auction • Great Falls, Montana

Wyoming Livestock Roundup

Page 3

Midland Bull Test welcomes return of old friends, new customers to 2018 sale

Dear Friends, With anticipation, excitement and humility, the Williams and McDonnell Families personally invite you to join us for the Midland Bull Test (MBT) sales April 5-6, 2018. We are truly excited to introduce “The Final Sort” Bull Sale at Midland. Please

be assured that the offering at “The Final Sort” Bull Sale is exactly that, because we sift them again and again. Here lies the process that embodies the very purpose of Midland. Consignors enter their top cut of bulls to Midland. We let them write their own sto-

Midland Bull Test – In 2018, Midland Bull Test welcomed another strong group of bulls to their annual event, testing the animals for efficiency and performance. Lindsey Clark photo

ries. Their performance throughout the test determines whether they will clear hurdle after hurdle to be considered for the “Final Sort Sale.” In this era of genomics and EPDs that we once only dreamed of, one can be overwhelmed with the amount of data available these days. One thing remains the same however, actual performance with measured efficiency is the true test of progress. Producers must be careful of selecting for extremes without knowing the inputs required to maintain these cattle. Input costs are going to be the deciding factor for the commercial cattleman in the coming years. Midland strives to keep the commercial cattleman’s interest as a top priority when selecting criteria to publish. We use the economically relevant traits for the commercial cattleman in the overall MBT Index to determine the sale order. Midland is acutely conscious that dam and grand dam production records help the commercial cattleman

to identify bulls derived from cattle who have stood the test of time. It is our pleasure and honor to work with so many progressive minded consignors striving to improve their herd with each passing generation of cattle. We realize selecting bulls for your herd is one of the most important decisions made for your operation each year. We focus on making bull buying an objective process in order to enhance your success.

Selling 6 Bulls at Midland

3 6 5 3-10-17

ADG

RAT

WDA

365

3.78

117

3.43

107

1246

Milk

IND

-1.5

+68

+17

115

106

Donna McDonnell

Jan. 13, 1926 – Feb. 16, 2018 Midland Bull Test was started by Leo McDonnell, Sr. and Grandma Donna in 1962. This year, we honor and remember Donna for her endless hours spent helping Leo, Sr. grow Midland Bull Test. Donna left this earthly life on Feb 16, 2018. She will remain in the hearts of the Midland family.

Schmidt Powerhouse 1703

REA 14.1 • Ratio 109 • %IMF 4.63 • Ratio 111 Calving Ease deluxe CED +14 $W 68.23 • $B 145.02

ADG

by SAV Bruiser 9164

BMW Brilliance Wave 7106 RAT

WDA

365

3.62

112

3.41

105

1233

Milk

IND

-2.1

+38

+31

102

112

Also Selling: Lot 364 366 367 368

Sire LD Emblazon 999 BMW Final Front 2049 LD Emblazon 999 SAV Bruiser 9164

BW +3.0 +0.1 -0.4 +0.0

M W B The Commercialman’s Choice

ANGUS

12-17-16

3 6 9

CED +13 • Marb +.68 • RE +.59 RFI -5.95 • Eff 129

Milk +10 +31 +19 +21

WDA

365

4.02

116

3.47

107

1305

Milk

Eff

IND

3.6

117

108

Dam Prod 6 NR 105 • 3 YR 99 Ranks in the top 3% for $B 169.56

by EXAR Powerhouse 2077B

Schmidt Powerhouse 1709 ADG

3-20-17

WW +55 +65 +50 +60

Rat

LOT 122

L O T

ADG

many more relationships with past and new customers. Thank you, Steve Williams Midland Bull Test

Selling 2 Powerhouse Sons

BMW Bruiser 7017 L O T

We welcome past and new customers to come and view the bulls at any time. Committed to your success, we look forward to cultivating

YW +86 +102 +88 +108

by SAV Brilliance 8077# ADG 2.88 2.88 2.95 3.28

Rat 89 89 91 101

WDA 2.99 3.14 3.13 3.32

YR 95 97 98 104

NR 101 107 105 107

IND 95 99 98 106

The Commercialman’s Choice

Brian, Brock & Blaine Wolf 703-465 Johnstonville Road Susanville. CA

530-310-3217 www.bmwangus.com

Rat

WDA

365

3.52

101

3.36

102

1254

39.5

Milk

Eff

IND

6.2

104

103

Dam Prod 6 NR 111 • 2 YR 107 Out of a Net Worth dam • $B 140.93

LOT 123 12-24-16

by EXAR Powerhouse 2077B

Schmidt Century Farm Roger Schmidt 262-305-5735 West Bend, WI

2018 Midland Bull Test Edition

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Midland Bull Test celebrates strong group of Angus bulls in 2018 test

Midland Bull Test welcomed two groups of Angus bulls to Columbus, Mont. this year, splitting them into two groups and two classes. Class 1 bulls are those animals with an actual birthweight under 85 pounds and birthweight EPD under 1.8, while those in Class 2 had an actual birthweight over 84 pounds and birthweight EPD over 1.8.

“These groups are just a guideline to identify those lower birthweight bulls that may be suitable for use on heifers but is no way a guarantee that they would work as calving ease bulls,” Midland Bull Test says in their catalog. “Buyers still need to check them out phenotypically and make sure they meet their criteria to work on heifers.” The final report

Lot 267 – Deppe Angus’ lot 267, with a final ADG of 4.3, was second in the Group 1 Class 1 Angus bulls for ADG. From Waverly, Iowa, he had an ADG ratio of 128 and WDA of 4.05. The son of VAR Discovery 2240 was also first in the group for WDA and was part of the Angus World Champion Pen of Three at Midland Bull Test. Courtesy photo

showed a breed average for Angus Group 1 of 3.47 for ADG and 3.27 for WDA. In Group 2, the ADG average was 3.26 and WDA of 3.11. The Angus bulls sell on April 6 beginning at 11 a.m., where lots 1 through 750 will sell. Group 1 Class 1 ADG leaders Leading the Group 1 Class 1 Angus for average daily gain was lot 324 from

Lot 106 – This son of JMB Traction 292 ranked third for ADG and fourth for WDA in the Angus Group 1 Class 1 at Midland Bull Test. HIs final ADG was 4.22 and ADG ratio was 126, and the bull’s WDA was 3.57. The bull was consigned by Marda Angus Farm in Lodi, Wisc. Courtesy photo

Sunny Okanogan Strikes Big! 10 Bulls Avg. Ratio: NR 109 • ADG 117 • YR 103 • IND 107 SO Ten Speed 012-17

SO Regard 036-17

#2 ADG Group 2 Class 1

Lot 490 1-6-17

By S A V Ten Speed 3022

Lot 499 1-4-17

By S A V Regard 4863

ADG

Rat

WDA

365

ADG

Rat

WDA

365

4.29

133

3.30

109

1278

3.78

116

3.28

108

1263

Milk

IND

Milk

IND

+1.1

+57

+20

+104

104

111

+4.2

+70

+26

+113

114

110

RE EPD +0.89 • $B 150.68 • Dam Prod 5 NR 104

Out of a Payweight 107S# daughter • $B 148.66

#5 A GrouDG Classp 2 2

Lot 497

SO Weigh Up 198-17

1-16-17

SO Ten Speed 551-17

Rat

WDA

365

4.22

130

3.26

107

1248

Milk

IND

+2.6

+63

+20

+108

104

112

Lot 492

Also Selling

65, YW 113, M 20, RFI -1.26, Eff 115 and MBT 115. Group 1 Class 1 WDA leaders The Group 1 Class 1 Angus bulls saw similar stats win the weight per day of age category, with five bulls posting top scores. A WDA of 4.05 earned Deppe Angus’ lot 267 the top slot in the category, and he was followed by a second place lot 259, also consigned by Deppe Angus, with a WDA of 3.62. Lot 267 has EPDs of BW 4.3, WW 85, YW 161, M 31, RFI 0.13, Eff 105 and MBT 118, and he was sired by VAR Discovery 2240. Next, lot 259 was sired Continued on next page

Leaders Group 1 Class 1 ADG leaders 1 – Lot 324 – 4.36 2 – Lot 267 – 4.3 3/4 – Lot 106 – 4.22 3/4 – Lot 222 – 4.22 5 – Lot 20 – 4.19 Group 1 Class 1 WDA leaders 1 – Lot 267 – 4.05 2 – Lot 259 – 3.62 3 – Lot 19 – 3.61 4 – Lot 106 – 3.57 5 – Lot 20 – 3.54 Group 1 Class 2 ADG leaders 1 – Lot 225 – 4.56 2 – Lot 7 – 4.43 3 – Lot 348 – 4.36 4 – Lot 34 – 4.3 5 – Lot 44 – 4.42 Group 1 Class 2 WDA leaders 1 – Lot 282 – 4.27 2 – Lot 283 – 3.95 3 – Lot 183 – 3.74 4 – Lot 250 – 3.73 5 – Lot 261 – 3.71 Group 2 Class 1 ADG leaders 1 – Lot 658 – 4.46 2 – Lot 490 – 4.29 3 – Lot 460 – 4.11 4/5 – Lot 442 – 4.04

4/5 – Lot 606 – 4.04 Group 2 Class 1 WDA leaders 1 – Lot 630 – 3.92 2 – Lot 574 – 3.55 3/4/5 – Lot 658 – 3.54 3/4/5 – Lot 628 – 3.54 3/4/5 – Lot 680 – 3.54 Group 2 Class 2 ADG leaders 1 – Lot 428 – 4.54 2 – Lot 588 – 4.38 3/4 – Lot 672 – 4.33 3/4 – Lot 699 – 4.33 5 – Lot 497 – 4.22 Group 2 Class 2 WDA leaders 1 – Lot 428 – 3.71 2 – Lot 475 – 3.63 3 – Lot 430 – 3.61 4/5 – Lot 597 – 3.59 4/5 – Lot 569 – 3.59 Sire Group ADG leaders 1 – Lot 222 – 4.22 2 – Lot 224 – 4.18 3 – Lot 223 – 3.79 Sire Group WDA leaders 1 – Lot 284 – 3.59 2 – Lot 282 – 4.27 3 – Lot 283 – 3.95 Angus World Champion Pen of Three Deppe Angus – Lots 267, 251, 250

CAIN WIDE OPEN 3517

1-9-17

$W 52.41 • $B 147.37 • RE EPD +0.59

Angus Farm, LLC also posted a WDA of 3.57 and was sired by JMB Traction 292. He posted EPDs of BW 1.8, WW 68, YW 115, M 25, RFI 1.32, Eff 106 and MBT 114. Lot 222 was a son of MAR Innovation 251 from Stewart Select Angus LLC of Greensburg, Ind. and has a WDA of 3.12. He also has EPDs of BW 2.0, WW 70, YW 123, M 28, RFI -3.42, Eff 125 and MBT 114. Rounding out the top five, Harrison Angus Ranch of Boyd, Mont. consigned lot 20, and the bull posted a final ADG of 4.19 and ADG ratio of 125. The son of ER Commando 1366 has a WDA of 3.54 and EPDs of BW 0.5, WW

OFFERING THE #3 ADG ANGUS GROUP 1

By Plattemere Weigh Up K360

ADG

Fisher Angus in Okeene, Okla., with an ADG of 4.36. His ADG ratio was 130, and WDA was 3.46. The bull was sired by VAR Discovery 2240. His EPDs are BW 0.1, WW 67, YW 131, M 36, RFI 3.68, Eff 95 and MBT 112. In second place, with a final ADG of 4.3, lot 267 from Deppe Angus in Waverly, Iowa also posted an ADG ratio of 128 and WDA of 4.05. He, too, was sired by VAR Discovery 2240. His EPDs are BW 4.3, WW 85, YW 161, M 31, RFI 0.13, Eff 105 and MBT 118. Lots 106 and 222 tied for third and fourth place, with a final ADG of 4.22 and ADG ratio of 126. Lot 106 from Marda

#3 ADG

By S A V Ten Speed 3022

ADG

Rat

WDA

365

3.90

121

3.03

106

1236

36.5

Milk

IND

+0.9

+68

+22

+123

114

109

SSR Ten X 517C

Calving Ease + Carcass • RE EPD +0.82 • $B 162.79

Lot 348

Lot Sire

Milk

ADG

Rat

WDA

IND

491 S A V Ten Speed 3022

+1.1

+63

+20

+114

3.55

110

2.82

108

105

493 S A V Ten Speed 3022

+1.4

+69

+23

+121

3.68

114

3.11

101

111

106

494 S A V Ten Speed 3022

+1.1

+65

+22

+119

3.35

104

2.96

102

117

104

495 Plattemere Weigh Up K360

+1.1

+59

+23

+100

3.60

111

2.89

101

496 Plattemere Weigh Up K360

+1.4

+64

+22

+113

3.73

115

3.14

102

105

103

498 Plattemere Weigh Up K360

+0.4

+64

+22

+109

3.75

116

2.94

102

108

106

Okanogan Sunny

Craig Vejraska • (509) 322-2780

1-14-17

Sire: Hilltop Wide Open 4215

ADG

Rat

WDA

IND

4.36

126

3.5

121

114

Milk

365

EFF

+1.9

147

1483

108

$W 66.13 $F 134.73 (Top 1%) $B 168.87

Out of an outstanding Ten X 1st calf heifer. He is top 2% WW, top 1% YW and $F.

Also Selling Lot Birth Sire BW WW Milk YW ADG RAT WDA 349 1-15-17 AAR Ten Gauge 1501 3.1 56 20 106 3.56 103 3.26

Mitch Cain (541) 545-6075 or (541) 892-5900 Dairy, OR

www.wildwestangus.com

YR IND 107 102

Wild West Angus

Wyoming Livestock Roundup

Page 5

Continued from previous page

by Connealy Capitalist 28 and has a final ADG of 3.28 and ADG ratio of 98. He has EPDs of BW 3.2, WW 65, YW 116, M 23, RFI -1.57, Eff 105 and MBT 107. In third place, lot 19 has a WDA of 3.61. The son of Krein Blk Granite Robust 519, he was consigned by LK Bar Angus Ranch of St. Ignatius, Mont. He has a final ADG of 3.73, an ADG ratio of 111 and EPDs of BW 0.1, WW 67, YW 111, M 28, RFI -1.04, Eff 107 and MBT 107. Next, Marda Angus Farm’s lot 106 has a WDA of 3.57. He also posted a final ADG of 4.22 and ADG ratio of 126. He was sired by JMB Traction 292 and has EPDs of BW 1.8, WW 68, YW 115, M 25, RFI 1.32, Eff 106 and MBT 114. In the fifth slot for WDA, as he did for ADG, was Harrison Angus Ranch’s lot 20. The EF Commando 1366 son has a WDA of 3.54, final ADG of 4.19 and ADG ratio of 125. His EPDs are BW 0.5, WW 65, YW 113, M 20, RFI -1.26, Eff 115 and MBT 115. Group 1 Class 2 ADG leaders Class 2 was led by

lot 225, a Stewart Select Angus, LLC consignment from Greensburg, Ind. The bull has a final ADG of 4.56 and ADG ratio of 131. Sired by Deer Valley Patriot 322, he also has a WDA of 3.58 and EPDs of BW 2.8, WW 82, YW 146, M 30, RFI -1.81, Eff 113 and MBT 117. Next, lot 7 from Flying AJ Ranch in Stevensville, Mont. has a final ADG of 4.43 and ADG ratio of 128. He also has a WDA of 3.29 and was sired by 44 TenGallon Z418. His EPDs are BW -0.1, WW 58, YW 110, M 33, RFI -1.61, Eff 112 and MBT 110. In third, a Hilltop Wide Open 4215 son with a final ADG of 4.36 has an ADG ratio of 126. The bull, lot 348, was consigned by Wild West Angus of Dairy, Ore. and has a WDA of 3.5 and EPDs of BW 1.9, WW 73, YW 147, M 24, RFI -0.55, Eff 108 and MBT 114. Next, lot 34 from Winding River Angus in Billings, Mont. took fourth place. The son of MAR Innovation 251’s final ADG of 4.3 and ADG ratio of 124 earned him the slot. He also posted a WDA of 3.48 and EPDs of BW 4.4, WW 68, YW 110, M 24, RFI -1.04,

Eff 112 and MBT 113. Fifth was lot 44, a consignment from TNT Angus in Rock Lake, N.D. The bull was a son of SydGen Rock Star 3461, and he has a final ADG of 4.32, ADG ratio of 124 and WDA of 3.49. His EPDs are BW 3.7, WW 78, YW 138, M 26, RFI -1.04, Eff 113 and MBT 112. Group 1 Class 2 WDA leaders Olson Cattle Company of St. Ignatius, Mont. consigned bulls that took the top two slots for Group 1 Class 2 WDA leaders, with lots 282 and 283. Both bulls were sired by HA Cowboy Up 5405. Lot 282 has a WDA of 4.27, final ADG of 3.84 and ADG ratio of 111. He also has EPDs of BW 3.7, WW 81, YW 148, M 16, RFI -1.19, Eff 97 and MBT 110. Lot 283 has a WDA of 3.95, final ADG of 3.52 and ADG ratio of 101. He also posted EPDs of BW 4.7, WW 84, YW 140, M 19, RFI -0.13, Eff 99 and MBT 108. Next, lot 183, consigned by Steve Smith Angus of Lehi, Utah, took the third spot with a WDA of 3.74. He also has a final ADG of 3.26 and ADG ratio of 94. The bull was consigned by EXAR Den-

ver 5163B and has EPDs of BW 2.5, WW 74, YW 123, M 20, RFI 4.94, Eff 90 and MBT 104. Rounding out the last two leaders for Group 1 Class 2 bulls, lots 250 and 261 were consigned by Deppe Angus of Waverly, Iowa. Lot 250 has a WDA of 3.73. The son of AAR Ten X 7008 S A# has a final ADG of 3.91 and ADG ratio of 113, along with EPDs of BW 4.5, WW 67, YW 118, M 21, RFI -3.09, Eff 113 and MBT 113. Finally, lot 261, a Vision Unanimous 1418 son, has a WDA of 3.71, with a final ADG of 3.73 and ADG ratio of 107. His EPDs are BW 3.0, WW 78, YW 129, M 20, RFI -1.08, Eff 104 and MBT 109. Group 2 Class 1 ADG leaders In the category for Group 2 Class 1 ADG, lot 658 from 6 Mile Angus in Mandan, N.D. surpassed

the others in its category with a final ADG of 4.46 and ADG ratio of 138. The Deer Valley All In son also has a WDA of 3.54 and EPDs of BW 1.3, WW 66, YW 117, M 22, RFI 1.30, Eff 114 and MBT 118. Next, lot 490, a SAV Ten Speed 3022 son, consigned by Sunny Okanogan Angus in Omak, Wash., has a final ADG of 4.20, ADG ratio at 133 and WDA of 3.3. He also has EPDs of BW 1.1, WW 57, YW 104, M 20, RFI 3.75, Eff 97 and MBT 111. Macholan Angus of Linwood, Neb. consigned the third-placing lot 460 in the category, with a final ADG of 4.11 and ADG ratio of 127. Jindra Acclaim sired the bull, who also has a WDA of 3.24. He has EPDs of BW 1.3, WW 75, YW 154, M 29, RFI -1.81, Eff 112 and MBT 118. Tied for fourth and fifth, lot 442, a consignment from Ward’s Flying

Continuing quality – Steve Smith Angus of Lehi, Utah consigned lot 183, who posted a third-high WDA in the Angus Group 1 Class 2 bulls, with a WDA of 3.74. Courtesy photo

W Angus Ranch in Gallatin Gateway, Mont., and lot 606, a consigned from Dix Angus Ranch of Stockton, Kans., have a final ADG of 4.04 and ADG ratio of 125. Lot 442 is a son of Hilltop Capitalist 5370 and has a WDA of 3.19. He has EPDs of BW -0.6, WW 50, YW 82, M 29, RFI -2.43, Eff 116 and MBT 113. Lot 606, a Basin Payweight 1682 son, has a WDA of 3.24. He also has EPDs of BW 0.7, WW 75, YW 130, M 22, RFI 2.80, Eff 93 and MBT 105. Group 2 Class 1 WDA leaders Fraser Ranch’s lot 630 took the top spot for WDA in Group 2 Class 1 with a WDA of 3.92. From Paxico, Kan., he was sired by McD SF Total Package 1337 and has a final ADG of 3.81 and ADG ratio of 118. He also has EPDs of BW 1.3, WW 78, YW 125, M 19, RFI -2.36, Eff 115 Continued on next page

Leader – Sunny Okanogan Angus’ lot 490 earned second place in the Angus Group 2 Class 1 bulls for ADG with a final ADG of 4.29 and ADG ratio of 133. He was sired by SAV Ten Speed 3022. Courtesy photo

Offering 10 Top Prospects Top of class – Lot 282 topped the Angus Group 1 Class 2 for WDA at Midland Bull Test, with a WDA of 4.27. The son of HA Cowboy Up 5405 also had a final ADG of 3.84 and ADG ratio of 111. He was consigned by Olson Cattle Co. in St. Ignatius, Mont. HA Cowboy Up 5405 was also the top sire in Midland Bull Test’s Angus, siring three high-performing bulls. Courtesy photo

D-D Lone Survivor 89

Next in line – Olson Cattle Co.’s lot 283, also a son of HA Cowboy Up 5405, came in second place for WDA in the Angus Group 1 Class 2. He also posted a final ADG of 3.52 and ADG ratio of 101. Courtesy photo

L O T

3-18-17

1-28-17

WDA

205

365

Rat

WDA

365

3.62

111

3.36

105

1228

35.5

Milk

Eff

IND

1.9

102

113

3.48

111

809

1297

Milk

Eff

IND

2.0

112

100

148.84

107

Dam Prod 2 NR 107 • 1 YR 110

Mike, Helen, Tessa and Michelle Faulkner 1989A S. 1875 E. • Gooding, ID 83330 Helen 208-539-5920 • Tessa 208-358-1118

365

109

1275

Milk

Eff

IND

4.3

132

102

109

Dam Prod 2 NR 106 RE EPD +.77 • $B 162.13

Out of a BR Midland daughter $B 149.91

Lot 467 2-13-17

Sire: SydGen CC&7

Additional Bulls

3.66

3.44

D-D CC&7 2

Sire: Basin Payweight 1682

Rat

WDA

119

Sire: RB Tour of Duty 177

SSR Payweight 704E ADG

Rat

3.88

Lot 466

ADG

3 5 4SHOOTING STAR 3X6 BW

ADG

Lot Birth

Sire

BW WW Milk

ADG Rat

WDA YR

461 462 463 464 465 468 469 470

SAV Resource 1441 SAV Resource 1441 SAV Resource 1441 SAV Bismarck 5682 RB Tour of Duty 177 S Chisum 6175 Connealy Right Answer 746 ONeills Frontiersman

2.8 2.5 3.8 0.5 2.8 0.7 1.4 4.8

103 96 103 94 111 121 107 90

3.08 3.50 3.55 3.41 3.21 3.60 3.50 3.11

3.01 3.01 3.14 3.04 3.00 3.29 3.29 2.82

1-18-17 1-24-17 2-13-17 12-31-16 1-30-17 2-4-17 1-4-17 1-17-17

60 60 55 56 58 63 58 49

23 18 20 19 31 27 22 24

95 108 109 105 99 111 108 96

Double D Ranch

96 96 98 99 95 104 113 90

Linwood, NE • 402-641-7496

SC 41.5 34.5 38 39 36 39 34 35

IND 94 100 101 101 98 100 107 97

2018 Midland Bull Test Edition

Page 6 Continued from previous page

and MBT 116. Next, lot 574, a consignment from Harrison Angus Ranch in Boyd, Mont., has a WDA of 3.55, final ADG of 3.48 and ADG ratio of 108. He was sired by SydGen FATE 2800 and has EPDs of BW 1.6, WW 54, YW 99, M 30, RDI -1.59, Eff 115 and MBT 114. Lots 658, 628 and 680 tied for third through fifth places, with a WDA of 3.54. From 6 Mile Angus in Mandan, N.D., lot 658 was sired by Deer Valley All In and has a final ADG of 4.46 and ADG ratio of 138. His EPDs are BW 1.3, WW 66, YW 117, M 22, RFI 1.30, Eff 114 and MBT 118. Lot 628, a son of Fra-

ser Fireman 1195, has a final ADG of 3.62 and ADG ratio of 112. His EPDs are BW 0.5, WW 83, YW 132, M 18, RFI -0.77, Eff 110 and MBT 110. The VAR Discovery 2240 son, lot 680, came from Wolters Farm, Inc. in Cuba City, Wisc. With EPDs of BW 1.5, WW 74, YW 131, M 32, RFI -0.31, Eff 112 and MBT 110, he also has a 3.53 final ADG and ADG ratio of 109. Group 2 Class 2 ADG leaders The Group 2 Class 2 bulls were led in ADG by lot 428, a Wheeler Mountain Ranch consignment from Whitehall, Mont. with a final ADG of 4.54 and ADG ratio of 140. The son of WMR Timeless 081

also has a WDA of 3.7 and EPDs of BW 4.7, WW 78, YW 141, M 28, RFI -1.59, Eff 114 and MBT 123. Next, lot 558 has a final ADG of 4.38 and ADG ratio of 135. A son of AAR Ten Gauge 1501, he has a WDA of 3.33 and was consigned by VGA Livestock of Manhattan, Mont. His EPDs are BW 3.7, WW 72, YW 124, M 18, RFI 1.61, Eff 101 and MBT 101. Tying for third and fourth, lots 672 and 699 have a final ADG of 4.33 and an ADG ratio of 133. Lot 672, from Stalnaker Farm in Weston, W.Va., was sired by SAV Resource 1441 and has a WDA of 3.4. His EPDs are BW 2.9, WW 49, YW 107, M 16, RFI 0.90, Eff 105 and MBT 111. Then, Welytok Angus

of Richfield Springs, N.Y. consigned lot 699, who was sired by Welytok Mr All American 5C31, also has a WDA of 3.1, with EPDs of BW 3.2, WW 91, YW 145, M 28, RFI 3.97, Eff 96 and MBT 113. Rounding out the category, Sunny Okanogan Angus from Omak, Wash. consigned lot 497, who posted a final ADG of 4.22 and ADG ratio of 130. The son of Plattemere Weigh Up K360 has a WDA of 3.26 and EPDs of BW 2.6, WW 63, YW 108, M 20, RFI -0.24, Eff 107 and MBT 112. Group 2 Class 2 WDA leaders Lot 428 topped Midland’s Group 2 Class 2 WDA category with a WDA of 3.71. Lot 428, who also led the class for ADG, was con-

Performance Plus From Curtin Curtin 1682 Payweight 7058

1-11-17

Curtin Ten X 7008

L o t

2 1 3

2 0 5 12-19-16

by Basin Paywieght 1682

ADG

Rat

WDA

205

365

ADG

Rat

WDA

205

365

4.21

121

3.64

112

762

1367

3.85

115

3.26

110

749

1304

Milk

IND

Milk

IND

3.6

152

110

-1.1

103

108

Marb +.57 • RE +.60 • $W 86.56 • $B 171.60

Big time heifer Bull (CED +12) Marb +.80 • RE +.83

Curtin 1682 Payweight 7032

1-5-17

Curtin Resistol 7054

L o t

2 0 9

2 1 2

by Basin Paywieght 1682

1-9-17

by EXAR Resistol 3710B

ADG

Rat

WDA

205

365

ADG

Rat

WDA

205

365

4.02

116

3.68

113

809

1385

3.88

116

3.40

108

706

1280

Milk

IND

Milk

IND

-0.6

144

109

1.0

121

107

One of our best - $W 89.32 • $B 157.74

1-14-17

3 SonS of VAR GeneRAtion 2100 from Drysdale L o t

Curtin Renown 7124

L o t

2 1 4

2 1 5

by Basin Paywieght 1682

2-1-17

Rat

WDA

205

365

ADG

Rat

WDA

205

365

3.88

112

3.46

105

730

1280

4.02

120

3.31

104

705

1241

Milk

IND

Milk

IND

-0.4

101

108

0.7

102

105

Dam Prod 6 NR 102 • $W 70.79 • CED +10

Sire Basin Payweight 1682 Basin Payweight 1682 EXAR Stud 4658B Basin Payweight 1682 AAR Ten X 7008 SA

WW 65 51 59 57 64

Milk YW 21 95 32 88 15 97 21 103 23 112

Drysdale Generation 7101

ADG 3.11 3.32 3.43 3.64 3.56

RAT 90 99 102 109 103

WDA 2.82 3.04 2.95 3.30 3.32

YR 93 102 96 105 100

Curtin Land & Cattle TJ Curtin • 217-825-3005 • Blue Mound, IL

IND 93 99 97 106 106

1-31-17

ADG

Rat

WDA

365

3.37

104

3.32

107

1253

39.5

IND 106

Milk

REA

%IMF

3.2

111

106

102

156

ADDITION

A tremendous prospect with growth, eye appeal and EPDs to go with it. Dam Prod: 2 NR 105 Marb EPD +.80 • REA EPD +.72 • $B 145.73

Dam Prod 2 NR 105 • $W 63.52

Also Selling

BW 1.7 0.1 0.9 1.1 2.6

5 6 5

by SAV Renown 3439

ADG

Birth 12-21-16 12-25-16 1-6-17 1-7-17 1-22-17

4.22, 4.18 and 3.79 for lots 222, 224 and 223, respectively. Lot 222 has an ADG of 4.22 and EPDs of BW 2.0, WW 70, YW 123, M 28, RFI -3.42, Eff 125 and MBT 114. Lot 224 has an ADG of 4.18 and EPDs of BW 2.4, WW 68, YW 123, M 25, RFI -3.35, Eff 113 and MBT 112. Lot 223 showed EPDs of BW 3.0, WW 60, YW 103, M 34, RFI -0.42, Eff 95 and MBT 100 and an ADG of 3.79. Olson Cattle Co.’s consignments lots 284, 282 and 283 posted a WDA of 3.59, 4.27 and 3.95, respectively. The bulls were sired by HA Cowboy Up 5405 and came from St. Ignatius, Mont. Lot 284 has EPDs of BW 0.8, WW 51, YW 90, M 24, RFI -1.26, Eff 112 and MBT 113. Next, lot 282 has EPDs of BW 3.7 WW 81, YW 148, M 16, RFI -1.19, Eff 97 and MBT 110, and lot 283 has EPDs of BW 4.7, WW 84, YW 140, M 19, RFI -0.13, Eff 99 and MBT 108. The Angus World Champion Pen of Three was consigned by Deppe Angus of Waverly, Iowa. Lot 267 was sired by VAR Discovery 2240 and has an ADG of 4.3 and WDA of 4.05. He also has EPDs of BW 4.3, WW 85, YW 161, M 31, RFI 0.13, Eff 105 and MBT 118. Lots 251 and 250 were sired by AAR Ten X 7008 S A#. Lot 251 has an ADG of 4.07, WDA of 3.66 and EPDs of BW -0.1, WW 52, YW 94, M 27, RFI 1.30, Eff 95 and MBT 109 while lot 250 has an ADG of 3.91 and WDA of 3.73 and EPDs of BW 4.5, WW 67, YW 118, M 21, RFI -3.09, Eff 133 and MBT 113. Look for the Angus bulls on pages 13-92 in the Midland Bull Test Catalog. Full results are available at midlandbulltest.com.

Calving ease & performance • Marb +.75 • $W 74.08

Curtin 1682 Payweight 7066

Lot 206 207 210 211 216

by AAR Ten X 7008 SA

signed by Wheeler Mountain Ranch of Whitehall, Mont. and sired by WMR Tieless 081. He has a final ADG of 4.54 and ADG ratio of 140, as well as EPDs of BW 4.7, WW 78, YW 141, M 28, RFI -1.59, Eff 114 and MBT 123. Next, lot 475 from Elm Creek Ranch in Hebron, N.C. has a WDA of 3.63. He was sired by Young Dale Xcaliber 32X and has a final ADG of 3.62 and ADG ratio of 111. His EPDs are BW 3.3, WW 76, YW 127, M 18, RFI 2.29, Eff 96 and MBT 110. Wheeler Mountain Ranch of Whitehall, Mont. also consigned the thirdhigh WDA bull, with a WDA of 3.61. Lot 430 was consigned by SAV Resource 1441 and has a final ADG of 3.57 and ADG ratio of 110. His EPDs are BW 2.7, WW 73, YW 129, M 18, RFI -4.37, Eff 121 and MBT 116. A tie for fourth and fifth came from lots 597 and 569, who posted a WDA of 3.59. Lot 597, consigned by SHB Angus in Reardan, Wash., also has a final ADG of 3.93 and ADG ratio of 121. He was sired by Barstow Cash. His EPDs are BW I+0.5, WW I+44, YW I+85, M I+22, RFI 1.76, Eff 94 and MBT 107. Finally, lot 569 was consigned by Willer Timber Ridge Farms from Greencastle, Ind. He was sired by PA Fortitude 2500 and has a final ADG of 3.73 and ADG ratio of 115. He also has EPDs of BW 2.2, WW 61, YW 112, M 17, RFI -1.37, Eff 107 and MBT 113. Sire groups Leading the Angus bull sires for ADG was a set of bulls sired by MAR Innovation 251 and consigned by Stewart Select Angus, LLC of Greensburg, Ind. The bulls posted an ADG of

Also Selling

SC 40 44 32 38 42

Eff 89 88 94 101 108

Lot: 563 Birth: 1-22-17 BW WW Milk 3.5 55 22 Lot: 564 Birth: 3-16-17 BW WW Milk 3.3 62 21

YW 95

NR 103

WDA 3.13

YR 103

Eff 109

IND 102

YW 108

NR 103

WDA 3.36

YR 104

Eff 97

IND 99

D rysDale F arms , I nc . Willard Drysdale • Wabasha, MN 507-450-5841

Wyoming Livestock Roundup

Page 7

Red Angus breed draw highest quality seedstock from across U.S. to 2018 test

The Red Angus bulls tested at Midland Bull Test in 2018 brought unmatchable quality. Split into two groups, the Green Tag Red Angus represent those animals with an actual birthweight under 85 pounds and birthweight EPD under -1.1, while the Yellow Tag cattle are those with an actual birthweight over 84 pounds and a birthweight EPD over -1.1. The average for Red Angus bulls was an average daily gain (ADG) of 3.08 and weight per day of age (WDA) of 2.62. Leaders in each group are listed below. The Red Angus bulls sell first on April 5, with the sale beginning at 11

a.m., and are represented by lots 750 through 812. Green Tag ADG leaders Lot 777, from Gibson Cattle Co. in Rome, Ga., led the Green Tag Red Angus cattle, with a final ADG of 4.05 and ADG ratio of 131. Sired by GG Epic Elvis B24, he has a WDA of 3.1 and EPDs of BW -4.0, WW 49, YW 78, M 22, RFI -1.70, Eff 117 and MBT 114. Next, from C-Bar Ranch in Brownell, Kan., was lot 770, with a final ADG of 3.66 and ADG ratio of 118. The son of Andras New Direction R240 also has a WDA of 3.28 and EPDs of BW -1.1, WW 63, YW 109, M 15, RFI 0.11, Eff 111 and MBT

110. A final ADG of 3.64 and ADG ratio of 117 led lot 752 to the third high spot in the ADG race. Consigned by Cloud 9 Cattle Co., LLC in Emerald Road, Wisc., the son of RRA Aviator 502 has EPDs of BW -3.6, WW 65, YW 109, M 28, RFI 1.70, Eff 107 and MBT 111. In third, lot 801 took the fourth spot with a final ADG of 3.62 and ADG ratio of 117. Sired by Feddes Silver Bow B226, he has a WDA of 3.49 and was consigned by Smieja Red Angus of Belgrade, Mont. Lot 801 also has EPDs of BW -2.2, WW 73, YW 116, M 24, RFI 0.24, Eff 109 and MBT 109.

Leaders Green Tag ADG leaders 1 – Lot 777 – 4.05 2 – Lot 770 – 3.66 3 – Lot 752 – 3.64 4 – Lot 801 – 3.62 5 – Lot 751 – 3.58 Yellow Tag ADG leaders 1 – Lot 789 – 4.07 2 – Lot 776 – 3.87 3 – Lot 764 – 3.6 4 – Lot 760 – 3.58 5 – Lot 792 – 3.36 5 – Lot 780 – 3.05 Green Tag WDA leaders 1 – Lot 752 – 3.49 2 – Lot 770 – 3.28 3 – Lot 751 – 3.25 4 – Lot 791 – 3.24

5 – Lot 761 – 3.14 Yellow Tag WDA leaders 1 – Lot 789 – 3.61 2 – Lot 790 – 3.36 3 – Lot 798 – 3.18 4 – Lot 755 – 3.11 5 – Lot 759 – 3.09 Sire group ADG leaders 1 – Lot 777 – 4.07 2 – Lot 782 – 3.3 3 – Lot 783 – 3.36 Sire group WDA leaders 1 – Lot 789 – 3.61 2 – Lot 790 – 3.36 3 – Lot 791 – 3.24 Red Angus World Champion Pen of Three C-Bar Ranch, Brownell, Kan. – Lots 770, 776, 764

Cloud 9 Cattle Co., LLC of Emerald Road, Wisc. also consigned the fifth-high ADG bull in the Green Tag Group. Lot 751, sired by RRA Aviator 502, who has a final ADG of 3.58 and ADG ratio of 115. He also has a WDA of 3.25 and EPDs of BW -3.5, WW 62, YW 103, M 24, RFI -6.28, Eff 143 and MBT 117. Yellow Tag ADG leaders Kicking the Yellow Tag Red Angus off for ADG is lot 789, a consignment from Mitchell Red Angus in Lebanon, Ore., with a final ADG of 4.07 and ADG ratio of 133. He was sired by Dyk Hatch RT83W-5102, has a WDA of 3.61 and EPDs of BW-0.9, WW 60, YW 88, M 25, RFI 0.15, Eff 105 and MBT 114. Next, lot 776 came next, from C-Bar Ranch in Brownell, Kan., with a final ADG of 3.87 and ADG ratio of 127. The son of EF

Commando 1366 also has a WDA of 3.07 and EPDs of BW -4.0, WW 67, YW 113, M 23, RFI -3.55, Eff 126 and MBT 113. Lot 764, a son of SL Defender 560-30Z, has a final ADG of 3.6 and ADG ratio at 118. Also from C-Bar Ranch in Brownell, Kan., he has a WDA of 2.96 and EPDs of BW -4.0, WW 61, YW 96, M 14, RFI -1.81, Eff 118 and MBT 108. C-Bar Ranch of Brownell, Kan. also consigned the fourth-high ADG bull in the Yellow Tag Group, lot 760, with a final ADG of 3.53 and ADG ratio of 116. He also has a WDA of 2.94 and EPDs of RFI 1.68, Eff 99 and MBT 104. A tie for fifth and sixth came from lots 792 and 780, who both has a final ADG of 3.41 and ADG ratio of 112. Lot 792, a consignment from Daigger-Orr

Red Angus in North Platte, Neb., he was sired by Brown JYJ Redemption Y1134, has a WDA of 2.94 and EPDs of BW -3.7, WW 65, YW 108, M 30, RFI 1.28, Eff 105 and MBT 105. Gibson Cattle Co. of Rome, Ga. consigned lot 780. The son of Gibson Epic 397K-A305 has a WDA of 2.88 and EPDs of BW -3.4, WW 63, YW 98, M 20, RFI 0.90, Eff 103 and MBT 104. Green Tag WDA leaders Lot 752 from Cloud 9 Cattle Co., LLC in Emerald Road, Wisc. took the top spot for WDA in the Red Angus Green Tag bulls with a WDA of 3.49. The son of RRA Aviator 502 also has a final ADG of 3.64, ADG ratio of 117 and EPDs of BW -3.6, WW 65, YW 109, M 28, RFI 1.70, Eff 107 and MBT 111. Next lot 770 from C-Bar Ranch of Brownell, Continued on next page

CALVING EASE + POWER D A R Resolution R106

1-27-17

D A R Bull City R111

2-17-17

#4 ADG Group 2 Class 1

5 Top Angus prospecTs

Lot 603

Lot 606

By KG Solution 0018

By Basin Payweight 1682

ADG

Rat

WDA

365

ADG

Rat

WDA

365

4.17

128

3.56

113

1320

4.04

125

3.24

101

1182

Milk

Eff

IND

Milk

Eff

IND

+1.0

+71

+27

+123

131

122

+0.7

+75

+22

+130

105

Out of a Final Answer dam. Dam Prod 6 NR 102 • $W 80.78

D A R Blazer R134

3-5-17

A powerful Payweight 1682 son. Top 2 and 3% for WW and YW

D A R Cowboy Sam R103

3-3-17

Lot 611 KPHU E015 • Lot 191 12-16-16 Sire: Connealy Capitalist 028# Ultrasound Actual Ribeye 14.7

ADG 3.92

Rat. 113

WDA 3.18

YR 97

365 1183

42.5

Rat

WDA

365

ADG

Rat

WDA

365

3.75

115

3.47

108

1260

3.71

115

3.26

101

1180

38.5

Milk

Eff

IND

Milk

Eff

IND

+3.0

+58

+19

+110

112

+1.5

+77

+22

+131

104

Milk

Eff

IND

+2.5

+59

+24

+100

102

KPHU E028 • Lot 193

KPHU E018 • Lot 192

12-18-16 Sire: Basin Excitement#

12-17-16 Sire: Basin Excitement#

Rat.

WDA

365

ADG

4.04

120

3.10

1174

37.5

4.13

119

3.19

1183

Milk

Eff

IND

Milk

Eff

-0.5

+50

+27

+91

113

109

+3.5

Out of a Precision x Lead On bred cow

Rat.

+73

WDA

+16

+118

365

121

By HA Cowboy Up 5405

ADG

Lot 601

By LD Emblazon 999

Dam Prod 7 BR 103 • 7 WW 107 • 4 YR 104 • 4 IMF 101 • 4 RE 107

37.5

Lot

DOB

IND

600

109

602

ALSO SELLING: Lot Birth Sire BW WW Milk YW ADG RAT Eff SC IND 190 12-15-16 Basin Excitement# -0.4 +59 +11 +105 3.47 103 108 40 102 194 12-19-16 Connealy Capitalist 028# +1.6 +58 +16 +92 3.52 105 94 36.5 100

An exciting young prospect. Dam Prod 2 NR 106 • 2 YR 125 CED +10 • Carcass Plus: Marb +0.63 RE +1.06 • $B 189.94 • Eff 131

ALSO SELLING:

Dam Prod 5 NR 103 • $B $132.97

Sire

Milk

ADG

Rat

12-18-16

Plattemere Weigh Up K360

+0.9

+66

+25

+117

3.14

3.15

104

100

1-30-17

Molitar KG Solution 9736-574

+0.1

+72

+18

+120

3.38

104

3.29

104

108

604

2-23-17

Basin Payweight 1682

+1.1

+71

+33

+128

3.71

115

3.21

100

105

605

2-23-17

Basin Payweight 1682

+0.2

+60

+24

+108

3.29

102

3.21

101

100

WDA

IND

607

2-5-17

LD Emblazon 999

+1.0

+56

+22

+112

3.26

100

3.19

104

103

608

3-1-17

Deer Valley Coal Train 41157

+2.9

+75

+23

+125

3.69

113

3.31

105

107

609

2-14-17

KG Solution 0018

-0.3

+59

+27

+97

3.13

3.07

100

610

3-3-17

GDAR Leupold 298

-1.3

+63

+25

+111

3.17

3.24

101

106

KuKuipahu Ranch

Hawi, HI 808-889-0002 • 808-345-8789

Cody Dix • 785-476-5168 • www.dixangus.com

2018 Midland Bull Test Edition

Page 8 Continued from previous page

Kan. Posted a WDA of 3.28. This Andras New Direction R240 son also has EPDs of BW -1.1, WW 63, YW 109, M 15, RFI 0.11, Eff 111 and MBT 110, a final ADG of 3.66 and ADG ratio of 118. Cloud 9 Cattle Co. of Emerald Road, Wisc. followed with another consignment, lot 751, hitting a WDA of 3.25. The RRA Aviator 502 son also

showed a final ADG of 3.58, ADG ratio of 115 and EPDs of BW -3.5, WW 62, YW 103, M 24, RFI -6.28, Eff 143 and MBT 117. In fourth, Mitchell Red Angus of Lebanon, Ore. Brought lot 791, a son of Dyk Hatch RT83W-5102, with a WDA of 3.24. His EPDs are BW -1.4, WW 67, YW 102, M 21, RFI -3.81, Eff 119 and MBT 111.

Top of its class – Lot 789 topped the Yellow Tag Red Angus at Midland Bull Test for both ADG and WDA this year, with a final ADG of 4.07 and ADG ratio of 133. The son of DYK Hatch RT83W-5102 was consigned by Mitchell Red Angus of Lebanon, Ore. and also had a WDA of 3.61. Courtesy photo

Finally, C-Bar Ranch’s lot 761 took the last slot in the WDA leaderboard, with a WDA of 3.14. With a final ADG of 3.05 and ADG ratio of 98, the HXC Allegiance 5502C son also has EPDs of BW -2.4, WW 64, YW 105, M 25, RFI 0.75, Eff 101 and MBT 100. Yellow Tag WDA leaders For WDA, Mitchell Red Angus of Lebanon, Ore. consigned the top two bulls in the category, with lots 789 and 790, who were both sired by Dyk Hatch RT83W-5102. Lot 789 topped the group with a WDA of 3.61, and also has a final ADG of 4.07, ADG ratio of 133 and EPDs of BW-0.9, WW 60, YW 88, M 25, RFI 0.15, Eff 105 and MBT 114. Lot 790, with EPDs of BW -0.5, WW 65, YW 93, M 24, RFI 4.28, Eff 74 and MBT 100, he has a WDA of 3.36, final ADG of 3.3 and ADG ratio of 108. In third, lot 798 from Six L East in Groton, S.D. has a WDA of 3.18. The

OutstandinG set Of anGus Bulls from Jim and Beth Granger

4.07 and EPDs of BW -4.0, WW 49, YW 78, M 22, RFI -1.70, Eff 117 and MBT 114. Next, lot 782 has an ADG of 3.3 and EPDs of BW -1.0, WW 66, YW 102, M 21, RFI -0.86, Eff 113 and MBT 109. Finally, lot 783 has an ADG of 3.36, coupled with EPDs of BW -0.9, WW 72, YW 112, M 17, RFI -0.37, Eff 105 and MBT 109. For the WDA leading sire group, Dyk Hatch RT83W-5102’s sons from Mitchell Red Angus of Lebanon, Ore. brought the highest scores, with WDAs of 3.61, 3.36 and 3.24 for lots 789, 790 and 791, respectively. Lot 789 has EPDs of BW -0.9, WW 60, YW 88, M 25, RFI 0.15, Eff 105 and MBT 114. Also, lot 790 showed EPDs of BW -0.5, WW 65, YW 92, M 24, RFI 4.28, Eff 74 and MBT 100, and lot 791 has EPDs of BW -1.4, WW 67, YW 102, M 21, RFI -3.81, Eff 119 and

MBT 111. The World Champion Red Angus Pen of Three came from C-Bar Ranch in Brownell Kan. Lots 770, 776 and 764 were the top bulls of the breed. Lot 770 posted a final ADG of 3.66, ADG ratio of 118 and WDA of 3.28. The son of Andras New Direction R240 has EPDs of BW -1.1, WW 63, YW 109, M 15, RFI 0.11, Eff 111 and MBT 110. The EFF Commando 1366 son, Lot 776, has an ADG of 3.87, WDA of 3.07 and EPDs of BW -4.0, WW 67, YW 113, M 23, RFI -3.55, Eff 126 and MBT 113. Finally, lot 764, a SL Defender 560-30Z son, has an ADG of 3.6, WDA of 2.96 and EPDs of BW -4.0, WW 61, YW 96, M 14, RFI -1.81, Eff 118 and MBT 108. Look for the Red Angus bulls on pages 97-102 in the Midland Bull Test Catalog. Visit midlandbulltest. com for complete results.

MARDA STRIKES AGAIN! 13 Tremendous Angus Bulls MARDA TRACTION 768

11 Bulls Avg. Ratio: ADG 108 • YR 105 • MBT 104

Granger Cowboy 714

son of 5L Independence 560-298Y also has a final ADG of 2.75, ADG ratio of 90 and EPDs of BW -2.4, WW 56, YW 89, M 23, RFI -2.01, Eff 105 and MBT 102. C-Bar Ranch of Brownell, Kan. consigned the fourth and fifth placing lots for WDA, with lots 755 and 759. Lot 755 has a WDA of 3.11 and was sired by Spur Franchise of Garton. His final ADG was 3.37, and he has an ADG ratio of 110. He also posted EPDs of BW -1.5 WW 62, YW 108, M 21, RFI -0.31, Eff 104 and MBT 102. Lot 759 has a WDA of 3.09, final ADG of 3.15 and ADG ratio of 103. His EPDs are RFI -0.11, Eff 107 and MBT 103. Sire groups Gibson Cattle Co. of Rome, Ga. took the honors of having the top sire group for ADG, with a group of bulls sired by GG Epic Elvis. Lot 777 has an ADG of

MARDA PAYWEIGHT 766

Granger Millionaire 702

WDA #3 ADG • #4 ass 1 Group 1 • Cl

LOT 106 12-23-16

Lot 401 2-8-17

by HA Cowboy Up 5405

2-8-17

Sire: JMB Traction 292

Rat

WDA

205

365

12-22-16

ADG

Sire: Basin Payweight 107S

Rat

WDA

205

365

4.22

126

3.57

114

920

1355

4.02

116

3.45

108

918

1322

by KR Millionaire

Milk

Eff

IND

Milk

Eff

IND

+1.8

+68

+25

+115

106

95.42

114

+3.4

+70

+31

+123

127

160.96

117

Rat

WDA

365

ADG

Rat

WDA

365

3.50

108

3.49

110

1284

34.5

3.93

122

3.42

113

1324

Milk

EFF

IND

Milk

EFF

IND

+2.2

+72

125

117

110

+1.4

+72

+26

+125

109

Our of a Final Answer daughter. Dam Prod 5 NR 108 • 3 YR 108• $B 95.42

Has 10 EPDs in the top 10% or better of the breed. $B 160.96 • Dam Prod 3 NR 118 • 3 YR 112

MARDA RAMPAGE 755

MARDA SWAGGER 762

Dam Prod 1 NR 109 • CED +11 $W 73.22

Granger Mountain 717

Granger Cowboy 716

LOT 100 12-16-16 ADG

Lot 402

Lot 405 2-12-17 by SAV Iron Mountain 8066#

2-13-17

by HA Cowboy Up 5405

ADG

Rat

WDA

365

ADG

Rat

WDA

365

3.64

112

3.32

104

1223

37.5

3.59

110

3.35

105

1228

Milk

EFF

IND

Milk

EFF

IND

+2.6

+60

+25

+110

105

107

+3.0

+56

+18

+103

103

Dam Prod 7 NR 107 • 5 YR 107 Lot 400 403 404 407 409 411 412

Birth 2-11-17 2-15-17 2-14-17 2-2-17 2-13-17 2-19-17 3-7-17

Dam Prod 4 NR 103 • 3 NR 105

Also Selling:

Sire HA Cowboy Up 5405 HA Cowboy Up 5405 Connealy Black Granite Granger Black Cedar 150 Musgrave Big Sky KR Millionaire Granger Blackstone 478

Lot 410

ADG

Out of Pioneer daughter: 6 NR 101 $B 165.67

ADG

LOT 109

ADG 3.13 3.75 3.10 3.17 3.26 4.08 3.32

Rat 96 115 96 97 100 125 102

WDA 3.16 3.23 3.39 3.01 3.14 3.50 3.26

YR 101 101 107 101 100 109 105

BW +2.0 +1.5 +1.7 +2.2 +1.0 +4.8 +3.5

WW +54 +49 +74 +60 +49 +62 +62

MILK +22 +24 +33 +26 +26 +27 +31

YW +104 +94 +119 +103 +89 +106 +102

EFF 103 99 107 94 100 101 101

IND 101 102 103 99 100 110 104

Jim and Beth GranGer

2121 Eden Road • Great Falls, MT 59405 • 406-736-5588

LOT 108

Sire: Quaker Hill Rampage 0A36

Rat

WDA

205

365

3.90

116

3.32

108

924

Milk

Eff

-0.6

+72

+18

+119

106

12-19-16

ADG

1283

IND

172.93

110

Ranked in the top 5% or better in 8 EPD categories. Dam Prod 5 NR 108 • 4 YR 103 • $B 172.93

Sire: Marda Swagger 463

Rat

WDA

205

365

3.94

117

3.47

113

954

1339

Milk

Eff

IND

+1.9

+82

+35

+144

189.20

111

His dam has 7 EPDs ranking in the top 1% of the breed. Dam Prod 4 NR 102 • 1 YR 100 • $B 189.20

ALSO SELLING LOT 101 102 103 104 105 110 111 112 113

Birth 12-17-16 1-3-17 1-10-17 12-18-16 12-20-16 12-24-16 12-24-16 1-22-17 3-2-17

Sire Quaker Hill Rampage 0A36 Quaker Hill Rampage 0A36 Quaker Hill Rampage 0A36 Baldridge Willie Y34 JMB Traction 292 S Whitlock 179 V A R Discovery 2240 Marda Willie Nelson 564 S A V Sensation 5615

ADG 3.50 3.70 3.58 3.11 3.66 3.13 3.67 3.70 3.66

Rat 101 110 103 90 109 93 106 107 105

WDA 3.25 3.16 3.38 3.31 3.39 3.02 3.25 3.20 3.09

YR 106 102 109 104 109 104 103 98 93

BW +4.4 +1.0 +2.0 +3.4 -2.0 -1.1 +2.5 +2.2 +3.2

WW +76 +79 +81 +66 +52 +63 +68 +66 +62

Milk +19 +28 +26 +20 +33 +31 +25 +30 +18

YW +124 +130 +128 +114 +92 +106 +115 +115 +105

Eff 99 91 96 119 91 88 91 101 92

SC 40.5 36 39.5 40 36.5 37 40 36 36

MARDA ANGUS FARM Terry and Cody Quam

Lodi, Wisconsin • 608-575-9237

IND 103 104 104 105 104 98 103 105 100

Wyoming Livestock Roundup

Page 9

Outstanding class of South Devon bulls represented at Midland Bull Test this year

The quality of this year’s South Devon breed at the Midland Bull Test was hard to match, as MJB Ranch in Lodge Grass, Mont. brought a group of bulls that posted top scores, sweeping the leaderboards for the breed in both average daily gain (ADG) and weight per day of age (WDA). According to the Midland Bull Test catalog, exciting new research from the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center “shows the South Devon sired females to be the number one breed for efficiency on a high roughage ration.” “This, added to the tons of research showing a 23 percent advantage for crossbred females, makes these South Devon bulls a great cross on any breed,” continues Mid-

land Bull Test. “This leads to more sustainable profit for the commercial producers.” Midland Bull Test adds that, while a hot, dry summer affected the 205-day weights on this group of bulls, “their EPDs are excellent.” The average EPDs for the South Devon bulls at Midland were BW 2.38, WW 55, YW 100 and M 31.7. The South Devon bulls are slated to sell on April 5, following the Red Angus. They are represented by lots 850 through 899. ADG leaders Lot 870 topped the South Devons, with a final ADG of 3.93 and ADG ratio of 123. The son of MMM Untouchable W810 also has a WDA of 3.13 and EPDs of BW 2.1, WW 52, YW 93, M 31, RFI

0.15, Eff 104 and MBT 110. Then, lot 852 took second in the category, with a final ADG of 3.84 and ADG ratio of 120. He also posted a WDA of 2.86 and the son of DLC Royal LAD 1139 has EPDs of BW 2.6, WW 47, YW 88, M 29, RFI -0.95, Eff 106 and MBT 106. A DLCC Sure Thing Too 119T son, lot 896, tied with another MMM Untouchable W810 son, lot 869, for third and fourth, with a final ADG of 3.78 and ADG ratio of 118. Lot 896 also has a WDA of 3.18 and EPDs of BW 4.8, WW 63, YW 106, M 28, RFI -0.57, Eff 110 and MBT 110, while lot 869 showed a WDA of 3.12 and EPDs of BW 1.8, WW 58, YW 92, M 58, RFI -0.35, Eff 101 and MBT 108. Rounding out the top five

was lot 880, with a final ADG of 3.62 and ADG ratio of 113. He also showed a WDA of 2.98, and the MJB Country Cool 535C son has EPDs of BW -1.2, WW 44, YW 84, M 34, RFI 0.71, Eff 99 and MBT 97. WDA leaders Lot 857 led the South Devon bulls with a WDA of 3.27. He is a son of DLC Royal Lad 1139 and has a final ADG of 3.53 and ADG ratio of 111. He has EPDs of BW 1.3, WW 60, YW 109, M 35, RFI 1.04, Eff 99 and MBT 109. Next, lot 896 also placed second for WDA with a score of 3.18. The DLCC Sure Thing Too 119T son has EPDs of BW 4.8, WW 63, YW 106, M 28, RFI -0.57, Eff 110 and MBT 110

Lot 868 took the third place slot for WDA, with a WDA of 3.17. A son of DLC Royal Lad 1139, he has a final ADG of 3.3 and ADG ratio of 103. His EPDs are BW 0.9, WW 62, YW 107, M 37, RFI 1.87, Eff 94 and MBT 104. In fourth was lot 876, a son of Cimarron Defender 443B with a WDA of 3.14. He also has a final ADG of 3.42, ADG ratio of 107 and EPDs of BW 2.4, WW 53, YW 98, M 27, RFI 1.65, Eff 101 and

MBT 104. Rounding out the category was lot 870, with a WDA of 3.13. His final ADG was 3.93, ADG ratio of 123 and EPDs are EPDs of BW 2.1, WW 52, YW 93, M 31, RFI 0.15, Eff 104 and MBT 110. Lot 870 is a son of MMM Untouchable W810. Look for the South Devon bulls on pages 106-110 in the Midland Bull Test Catalog. Full results are available at midlandbulltest.com.

Leaders WDA leaders 1 – Lot 857 – 3.27 2 – Lot 896 – 3.18 3 – Lot 868 – 3.17 4 – Lot 876 – 3.14 5 – Lot 870 – 3.13

ADG leaders 1 – Lot 870 – 3.93 2 – Lot 852 – 3.84 3 – Lot 896 – 3.78 4 – Lot 869 – 3.78 5 – Lot 880 – 3.62

Hereford bulls draw excellent quality to 2018’s Midland Bull Test

Twenty bulls from eight consignors represented the Hereford breed at Midland Bull Test in lots 970 through 990. Slated to sell on April 5 in Columbus, Mont., the bulls performed well, offering top scores for average daily gain (ADG) and weight per day of age (WDA). The top performing bulls are listed below. ADG leaders Lot 986 from Next Generation Genetics in Endeavor, Wisc. brought the highest ADG, with a final ADG of 3.44 and ADG ratio of 125. The son of Ups Sensation 2296 ET also has a WDA of 2.89 and EPDs of BW 4.2, WW 66, YW 105, M 23, RFI -0.49, Eff 109 and MBT 111. Next, a Borkdale Angus consignment from Grand Marsh, Wisc. had a final ADG of 3.39 and ADG ratio of 123. Lot 994 also had a WDA of 2.65 and EPDs of

BW 4.1, WW 67, YW 99, M 24, RFI 0.97, Eff 105 and MBT 107. In third place, lot 972, a McMurray Cattle consignment from Billings, Mont., was a son of H Victor 0136 and had a final ADG of 3.06. The son of H Victor 0136 and has EPDs of BW 3.4, WW 58, YW 95, M24, RFI -0.66, Eff 105 and MBT 101. Next Generation Genetics of Endeavor, Wisc. also consigned the fourth-placing lot 983, with a final ADG of 2.95 and ADG ratio of 107. A son of SHF York 19H 200Z, he also had a WDA of 2.62 and EPDs of BW 2.5,

WW 59, YW 87, M 17, RFI 0.15, Eff 98 and MBT 100. Finally, Glade Haven Herefords of Penn Yan, N.Y. consigned lot 981, the fifthhigh ADG leader. With a final ADG of 2.88 and ADG ratio of 105, he also showed a WDA of 2.76, as well as EPDs of BW 1.7, WW 64, YW 101, M 30, RFI 0.99, Eff 100 and MBT 100. The lot was sired by Churchill Red Bull 200Z. WDA leaders Lot 975 posted the high WDA for the Herefords, with a WDA of 3.05. Sired by Wlb Winchester Powerball 27A, he also had a final ADG of 2.66 and ADG ratio

of 97, as well as EPDs of BW 3.7, WW 59, YW 96, M 24, RFI 0.18, Eff 97 and MBT 102. Next, Glade Haven Hereford’s lot 982 from Penn Yan, N.Y. has a WDA of 2.97, as well as a final ADG of 2.84 and ADG ratio of 103. The son of R Leader 6964 has EPDs of BW 0.7, WW 61, YW 98, M 29, RFI -0.04, Eff 102 and MBT 106. The third-high WDA Hereford bull was lot 986, a consignment from New

WDA leaders 1 – Lot 975 – 3.05 2 – Lot 982 – 2.97 3 – Lot 986 – 2.89 4 – Lot 973 – 2.84 5 – Lot 974 – 2.82

INCLUDING #3 WDA ANGUS GROUP 1 CLASS 2 #3 WDA

PERFORMANCE PLUS ++ Krein Robust Gilmore 769

SMIT Denver Pride 1741 12-16-16

#3 WDA Angus Group 1 Class 1

L o t

Rounding out the top Herefords was lot 974, a consignment from Emmanuel Polled Herefords in Moses Lake, Wash., with a WDA of 2.82. He also has a final ADG of 2.68, ADG ratio of 97 and EPDs of BW 4.9, WW 59, YW 101, M 29, RFI -0.11, Eff 106 and MBT 102. The Hereford bulls can be found on pages 120-122 of the Midland Bull Test Catalog. View complete test results at midlandbulltest. com.

SELLING 4 SONS OF EXAR DENVER 5163B

Leaders ADG leaders 1 – Lot 986 – 3.44 2 – Lot 994 – 3.30 3 – Lot 972 – 3.06 4 – Lot 983 – 2.95 5 – Lot 981 – 2.88

Generation Genetics in Endeavor, Wisc. with a WDA of 2.89. His final ADG is 3.44, and the Ups Sensation 2296 ET son has an ADG ratio of 125. His EPDs include BW 4.2, WW 66, YW 105, M 23, RFI -0.49, Eff 109 and MBT 111. Lot 973 was next, with a WDA of 2.84, a final ADG 2.71 and ADG ratio of 98. Sired by GHC Breakthrough 10B, he has EPDs of BW 3.5, WW 61, YW 97, M 17, RFI 0.53, Eff 94 and MBT 98.

Lot 183

ADG

RAT

WDA

365

3.26

3.74

120

1470

SC 50

Milk

EFF

IND

2.5

123

104

Dam Prod 2 NR 109 • $B 169.39

SMIT Denver Pride 1741

1 9

12-17-16

3-9-17

by Krein Blk Granite Robust 519

13 14 15 16 17 18

WR Journey 1X74 Connealy Black Granite VAR Generation 2100 Sitz Upside 547W Connealy Black Granite Sitz Dividend 649C

-0.3 -1.4 0.9 3.1 0.0 0.1

WW 58 59 67 61 70 69

Milk 26 33 23 22 28 26

YW ADG Rat

97 104 118 123 111 117

2.97 3.56 3.58 3.30 3.63 3.18

89 106 107 95 108 95

WDA YR 3.02 3.21 3.26 3.30 3.41 3.42

99 106 105 104 106 105

Eff

99 118

130 117

IND

97 108 103 104 112 106

LK BAR ANGUS RANCH 36351 Dublin Gulch Road • St. Ignatius, MT 59865 (406) 644-2801

WDA

365

102

3.48

115

1368

Milk

EFF

IND

1.1

105

Lot 184

Additional Prospects:

~ Selling 6 Additional Prospects ~ BW

RAT

3.41

Dam Prod 5 NR 111 • 3 YR 105 $B 149.25

ADG 3.73 • Rat 111 • WDA 3.61 • YR 115 • 205 832 • NR 112 • 365 1367 BW 0.1 • WW 67 • Milk 28 • YW 111 • Eff 107 • SC 38 • IND 111 IMF 6.02 • Rat 136 • REA 15.7 • Rat 111 • Rib Fat -0.36 • Rat 133 • CED 16 Mat Grandam Prod 1 NR 121 • 1 YR 122 • $W 78.46 • $B 168.90

Lot Sire

ADG

Lot Birth BW WW Milk YW ADG Rat WDA YR Eff Ind 185 1-20-17 +1.3 55 23 98 3.56 106 3.47 109 88 100 188 2-27-17 +0.8 57 24 100 3.11 93 3.34 102 111 102

STEVE SMITH ANGUS Lehi, UT - 801-768-8388

2018 Midland Bull Test Edition

Page 10

Salers bulls post impressive data during 2018 Midland Bull Test

Lots 900 through 961 at Midland Bull Test represented an outstanding class of Salers bulls, split into two groups based on their purebred status. Those bulls 75 percent purebred and great were represented by the Green Tag category, and those with less than 75 percent purebred Salers genetics were put in the Purple Tag category. The Salers bulls will sell on April 5, following the Herefords, and the top-perform-

ing bulls, along with their data, is provided below. Green Tag ADG leaders Lot 932, consigned by Elk Creek Ranch in Hebron, N.D. and sired by Big Sky Revelation 40B, has a final ADG of 3.81 and ADG ratio of 117. The bull also has EPDs of BW 2.7, WW 65, YW 104, M 26, RFI -1.56, Eff 105 and MBT 113. Next, lot 956 has a final ADG of 3.75 and ADG ratio of 116. The son of Bodines

Andrew C376 was consigned by Bodine’s 9th Ave Cattle Company of Voltaire, N.D. has a WDA of 3.31 and EPDs of BW 4.5, BW 64, YW 117, M 25, RFI 0.77, Eff 99 and MBT 108. Bodine’s 9th Ave Cattle Company also consigned the third and fourth placing bulls in the category, lots 959 and 952, respectively, which were both sired by Keys Rockstar 95X. Lot 959 has a final ADG

Leaders Green Tag ADG leaders 1 – Lot 932 – 3.81 2 – Lot 956 – 3.75 3 – Lot 959 – 3.6 4 – Lot 952 – 3.57 5 – Lot 900 – 3.53 Purple Tag ADG leaders 1 – Lot 943 – 4.18 2 – Lot 960 – 4.09 3 – Lot 946 – 3.84 4/5 – Lot 906 – 3.75 4/5 – Lot 942 – 3.75 Green Tag WDA leaders 1 – Lot 932 – 3.52

2 – Lot 938 – 3.45 3 – Lot 956 – 3.31 4/5 – Lot 900 – 3.26 4/5 – Lot 937 – 3.26 Purple Tag WDA leaders 1 – Lot 943 – 3.65 2 – Lot 935 – 3.56 3 – Lot 945 – 3.54 4 – Lot 934 – 3.51 5 – Lot 960 – 3.5 World Champion Pen of Three Elm Creek Ranch, Hebron, N.D. – Lots 943, 932, 935

of 3.6 and ADG ratio of 111, as well as a WDA of 3.11 and EPDs of BW 3.4, WW 54, YW 96, M 19, RFI 0.46, Eff 103 and MBT 105. Lot 952 has a final ADG of 3.57 and ADG ratio of 111, as well as EPDs of BW 4.7, WW 54, YW 95, M 25, RFI 3.26, Eff 95 and MBT 103, and a WDA of 3.09. Rounding out the top five, Ahtanum Valley Salers of Yakima, Wash. consigned lot 900, which posted a final ADG of 3.53 and ADG ratio of 109. The son of Mac Crosstrain 46C has EPDs of BW 2.1, WW 47, YW 93, M 26, RFI -2.01, Eff 109 and MBT 107. Purple Tag ADG leaders Elm Creek Ranch of Hebron, Neb. also has the top-performing bull in the Purple Tag ADG group, with lot 943. The bull posted a final ADG of 4.18 and ADG ratio 125, as well as a WDA of 3.65. His EPDs are BW 2.0, WW 60, YW 113, M 16, RFI 2.43, Eff 102 and MDT 112. He was sired by ECR

Carlos 500C of 48A. Next, a consignment from Bodine’s 9th Ave Cattle Company from Voltaire, N.D, lot 960, took second high ADG with a final ADG of 4.09, ADG ratio of 122 and WDA of 3.5. The son of Keys Rockstar 95X has EPDs of BW 4.6, WW 66, YW 112, M 18, RFI -1.54, Eff 109 and MBT 113. Another Elm Creek Ranch consignment, lot 946, has a final ADG of 3.84 and ADG ratio. He is a son of Eathington Sub-Zero, has a WDA of 3.38 and EPDs of BW -1.1, WW 64, YW 108, M 22, RFI 1.17, Eff 97 and MBT 109. Lot 906 from Ahtanum Valley Salers in Yakima, Wash. tied for fourth and fifth place with Elk Creek Ranch’s lot 942. Both bulls has a final ADG of 3.75 and an ADG ratio of 112. Lot 906 has EPDs of BW 0.7, WW 45, YW 90, M 20, RFI 1.26, Eff 105 and MBT 106. The son of CTS Remedy 1T01 also has a WDA of 3.19. Lot 942 is a son of Vision Unanimous 1418, a WDA 3.46 and EPDs of BW 2.4, WW 60, YW 112, M 19, RFI 0.24, Eff 103 and MBT 109. Green Tag WDA leaders Lot 932 from Elm Creek Ranch in Hebron, N.D. also posted the category-high WDA of 3.52. He also posted a final ADG of 3.81, ADG ratio of 117 and was sired by Big Sky Revelation 40B. He has EPDs of BW 2.7, WW 65, YW 104, M 26, RFI -1.65, Eff 105 and MBT 113. Next lot 938, also from Elm Creek Ranch in Hebron, N.D. The bull is a son of ECR Cosmo 512 C of 3A is has a WDA of 3.45, as well as a final ADG of 3.29 and ADG ratio of 101. The bull also has EPDs of BW 3.3, WW 57, YW 101, M 22, RFI -1.32, Eff 99 and MBT 106. Bodine’s 9th Ave Cattle Company of Voltaire, N.D. consigned lot 956, which posted a third-high WDA of 3.31. The son of Bodines Andrew C376 also has a final ADG of 3.75 and ADG ratio of 116, as well as EPDs of BW 4.5, WW 64, YW 117, M 25, RFI 0.77, Eff 99 and MBT 108. Lot 900, a consignment from Ahtanum Valley Salers of Yakima, Wash., tied for fourth and fifth with a WDA of 3.26. Lot 937 from Elk Creek Ranch in Hebron, N.D. also had the same WDA. Lot 900 was consigned by Mac Crosstrain 46C, has a final ADG of 3.53 and ADG ratio of 109. His EPDs are BW 2.1, WW 47, YW 93, M

26, RFI -2.01, Eff 109 and MBT. Lot 937 has a final ADG of 3.39 and ADG ratio of 104. He has EPDs of BW 2.2, WW 51, YW 93, M 21, RFI 1.54, Eff 91 and MBT 102 and was sired by ECR Cosmo 512 C of 3A. Purple Tag WDA leaders The top four placing bulls in the Purple Tag WDA group were consigned by Elm Creek Ranch of Hebron, N.D. Starting the category was lot 943 with a WDA of 3.65. The bull, a son of ECR Carlos 500s of 48A, has a final ADG of 4.18, an ADG ratio of 125 and EPDs of BW 2.0, WW 60, YW 113, M 16, RFI 2.43, Eff 102 and MDT 112. A son of AVS Out West 210X posted a WDA of 3.56, earning him second in the category. Lot 935 has a final ADG of 3.73, ADG ratio of 111 and EPDs of BW-0.1, WW 53, YW 100, M 14, RFI 2.23, Eff 90 and MBT 104. Lot 945 came next with a WDA of 3.54, final ADG of 3.28 and ADG ratio of 98. He has EPDs of BW 0.6, WW 64, YW 119, M 22, RFI 1.39, Eff 102 and MBT 106. He is a son of Connealy Capitalist 028. Next, lot 934, an AVS Out West son, has a WDA of 3.51, along with a final ADG of 3.26 and ADG ratio of 98. He has EPDs of BW 1.4, WW 61, YW 114, M 20, RFI 2.18, Eff 95 and MBT 103. Rounding out the category, lot 960 is a Keys Rockstar 95X son from Bodine’s 9th Ave Cattle Company of Voltaire, N.D., with a WDA of 3.5. He has EPDs of BW 4.6, WW 66, YW 112, M 18, RFI -1.54, Eff 109 and MBT 113, a final ADG of 4.09 and ADG ratio of 122. World Champion Pen of Three The World Champion Pen of Three Salers comes from Elm Creek Ranch in Hebron, N.D. Lots 943, 932 and 035 have an ADG of 4.18, 3.81 and 3.73, respectively, and WDA of 3.65, 3.52 and 3.56, respectively. Lot 943 is a son of ECR Carlos 500C of 48A and has EPDs of BW 2.0, WW 60, YW 113, M 16, RFI 2.43, Eff 102 and MBT 112. Lot 932, sired by Big Sky Revelation 40B, has EPDs of BW 2.7, WW 65, YW 104, M 26, RFI -1.65, Eff 105 and MBT 113, and a son of AVS Out West 210X, lot 935 has EPDs of BW-0.1, WW 53, YW 100, M 14, RFI 2.23, Eff 90 and MBT 104. Look for the Salers bulls on pages 112-118 in the Midland Bull Test Catalog. Full results are available at midlandbulltest.com.

Wyoming Livestock Roundup

Page 11

American Aberdeens represented well in first year at Midland Bull Test

Nearly 40 American Aberdeens were represented at Midland Bull Test in lots 1000 through 1039. The breed has been split into two classes. Class 1 is represented by fullblood American Aberdeens and Class 2 is Moderators. The bulls sell at the end of the day on April 5, following the Simmental bulls. Class 1 ADG leaders Muddy Creek Ranch of Wilsall, Mont. consigned the top four-placing bulls in the Class 1 cat-

egory for ADG. The top four bulls were sired by MCR Making Money. Lots 1005 and 1007 tied for first and second place with a final ADG of 2.01 and ADG ratio of 120. Lot 1005 has a WDA of 2.06 and EPDs of RFI -0.71, Eff 106 and MBT 109, and lot 1007 has a WDA of 2.09, as well as EPDs of RFI -0.35, Eff 109 and MBT 110. In third, lot 1008 has a final ADG of 1.96 and ADG ratio of 117. He has a WDA of 2.12 and EPDs of RFI 1.79, Eff 90 and MBT

104. Next, lot 1016 posted a final ADG of 1.88 and ADG ratio of 112, along with a WDA of 2.06 and EPDs of RFI -0.122, Eff 103 and MBT 106. The fifth-high bull for Class 1 ADG was lot 1036, consigned by Avalon Farms in Savannah, Mo., has a final ADG of 1.74 and ADG ratio of 104. The son of Colombo Park Zeffirelli has a WDA of 1.95 and EPDs of RFI -0.24, Eff 97 and MBT 101. Class 2 ADG leaders Lot 1033 led Class 2

Simmentals test at Midland in 2018

Simmental bulls in lots 825 through 835 brought average daily gain (ADG) scores above 3.4 and weight per day of age (WDA) postings over 3.15 at Midland Bull Test. The leaders in each category are listed below. The Simmental bulls will sell April 5, following the Salers, at the Midland Bull Test in Columbus, Mont. ADG leaders The ADG category was led by lot 831, a consignment from Hebron, N.D. The son of Connealy Comrade 1385 has a final ADG of 3.82 and ADG ratio of 114, along with EPDs of BW -4.7, WW 64, YW 115, M 27, RFI 0.44, Eff 95 and MBT 103. Next, lot 830, a Blue Q Ranch consignment from Troy, N.C., came in second with a final ADG of 3.75 and ADG ratio of 112. The bull has EPDs of BW 0.3, WW 63, YW 83, M 5, RFI -0.29, Eff 107 and MBT 107. He also has a WDA of 3. Elm Creek Ranch of Hebron, N.D. also consigned the third-high ADG bull in the Simmental lot 933. His final ADG was 3.65 and ADG ratio was 109. The son of MR NLC Upgrade U8676 has a WDA of 3.81 and EPDs of BW 2.1, WW 89, YW 137, M 19, RFI 0.18, Eff 111 and MBT 112. Cloud 9 Cattle Co.,

LLC of Emerald Road, Wisc. consigned two bulls that tied for fourth and fifth in the ADG category. Lots 834 and 835 both posted a final ADG of 3.44 and ADG ratio of 103. Both bulls were also consigned by Yardley Utah Y361. Lot 834 has a WDA of 3.32 and EPDs of BW 2.1, WW 58, YW 78, M 11, RFI 2.31, Eff 95 and MBT 99. Lot 835, with a WDA of 3.17, also has EPDs of BW 2.1, WW 58, YW 78, M 11, RFI 1.30, Eff 90 and MBT 99. WDA leaders Lot 933 led the Simmental bulls for WDA, with a WDA of 3.81. Sired by MR NLC Upgrade U8676, he has a final ADG of 3.65, ADG ratio of 109 and EPDs of BW 2.1, WW 89, YW 137, M 19, RFI 0.18, Eff 111 and MBT 112. The bull was consigned by Elm Creek Ranch of Hebron, N.D. In second, Elm Creek Ranch of Hebron, N.D. also consigned lot 832, another son of MR NLC Upgrade U8676 with a WDA of 3.35. The bull also showed a final ADG of 3.19 and an ADG ratio of 95. He also has EPDs of BW 0.1, WW 71, YW 116,

M 23, RFI -1.04, Eff 102 and MBT 101. Cloud 9 Cattle Co., LLC of Emerald Road, Wisc. had the three high WDA, which was 3.32 for lot 835. With EPDs of BW 2.1, WW 58, YW 78, M 11, RFI 1.30, Eff 90 and MBT 99, the son of Yardley Utah Y361 also had a final ADG of 3.44 and ADG ratio of 103. In a tie for fourth and fifth place, Elm Creek Ranch’s lot 831 had a WDA of 3.17, as did Cloud 9 Cattle Co., LLC’s lot 834. Lot 831 also has a final ADG of 3.82 and ADG ratio of 114, as well as EPDs of BW -4.7, WW 64, YW 115, M 27, RFI 0.44, Eff 95 and MBT 103. He is a son of Connealy Comrade 1385. Lot 834 is a son of Yardley Utah Y361 and has a final ADG of 3.44 and ADG ratio of 103, as well as EPDs of BW 2.1, WW 58, YW 78, M 11, RFI 2.31, Eff 95 and MBT 99. More information about the Simmental bulls can be found on pages 104105 of the Midland Bull Test Catalog. Final test data is available at midlandbulltest.com.

Leaders ADG leaders 1 – Lot 831 – 3.82 2 – Lot 830 – 3.75 3 – Lot 833 – 3.64 4/5 – Lot 834 – 3.44 4/5 – Lot 835 – 3.44

WDA leaders 1 – Lot 833 – 3.81 2 – Lot 832 – 3.35 3 – Lot 835 – 3.32 4/5 – Lot 831 – 3.17 4/5 – Lot 834 – 3.17

for ADG with a final ADG of 2.63 and ADG ratio of 130. The Topline Aberdeen Cattle consignment from Monroe, Wash. was sired by LeRoy Brown SH Bull, had a WDA of 2.62 and EPDs of RFI 0.57, Eff 110 and MBT 113. Muddy Creek Ranch of Wilsall, Mont. consigned the bull with the second high ADG, lot 1022. With a final ADG of 2.59 and ADG ratio of 128, he also has a WDA of 2.55 and EPDs of RFI 2.51, Eff 99 and MBT 109. Lot 1022 was sired by MCR Crown Royal. Lot 1039, an ICR Ranch consignment from Wilsall, Mont., was sired by MCR and has a final ADG of 2.25 and ADG ratio of 112. The bull also posted a WDA of 2.72 and EPDs of RFI 0.46, Eff 103 and MBT 108. Another Muddy Creek Ranch consignment from Wilsall, Mont. was lot 1018, with a final ADG of 2.23 and ADG ratio of 111. The son of MCR Runaway Train has a WDA of 2.65 and EPDs of RFI -1.23, Eff 109 and MBT 108. Rounding out the top five was lot 1035, consigned by 4D Land and Cattle Company of Athol, Idaho with a final ADG of 2.21 and ADG ratio of 110. The son of TL Julius has a WDA of 2.2 and EPDs of RFI 1.81, Eff 97 and MBT 104. Class 1 WDA leaders In Class 1 for WDA, four consignments from Muddy Creek Ranch in Wilsall, Mont., all sired by MCR Making Money, lots 1008, 1007, 1005 and 1016. Lot 1008 came in first with a WDA of 2.12. He

also had a final ADG of 1.96, ADG ratio of 117 and EPDs of RFI 1.79, Eff 90 and MBT 104. Lot 1007 had a WDA of 2.09, a final ADG of 2.01 and ADG ratio of 120, as well as EPDs of RFI -0.35, Eff 109 and MBT 110. Lots 1005 and 1016 both had a WDA of 2.06. Lot 1005 has a final ADG of 2.01 and ADG ratio of 120, in addition to EPDs of RFI -0.71, Eff 106 and MBT 109. Lot 1016 has a final ADG of 1.88 and an ADG ratio of 112. He also has EPDs of RFI -0.22, Eff 103 and MBT 106. Rounding out the top five for WDA was lot 1036 from Avalon Farms in Savannah, Mo. with a WDA of 1.95. He showed a final ADG of 1.74 and ADG ratio of 104. His EPDs were RFI -0.24, Eff 97 and MBT 101. Class 2 WDA leaders Lot 1039 had a WDA of 2.72, placing him at the top of Class 2 for WDA. ICU Ranch of Wilsall, Mont. consigned the bull, who also had a final ADG of 2.25 and ADG ratio of 112. Sired by MCR, he also has EPDs of RFI 0.46, Eff 103 and MBT 108. Next, lot 1018 from

Muddy Creek Ranch in Wilsall, Mont. had a WDA of 2.65, final ADG of 2.23 and ADG ratio of 111. He also has EPDs of RFI -1.23, Eff 109 and MBT 108. He was sired by MCR Runaway Train. In third, lot 1033 from Topline Aberdeen Cattle in Monroe, Wash. has a WDA of 2.62, as well as a final ADG of 2.63 and ADG ratio of 130. The son of LeRoy Brown SH Bull and has EPDs of RFI 0.57, Eff 110 and MBT 113. Two bulls consigned by Muddy Creek Ranch in Wilsall, Mont., lots 1004 and 1006, came in fourth and fifth for the category with WDAs of 2.6 and 2.56, respectively. Both bulls were also consigned by MCR Runaway Train. Lot 1004 also has a final ADG of 1.96 and ADG ratio of 97, as well as EPDs of RFI -1.68, Eff 113 and MBT 105. Finally, lot 1006 posted EPDs of RFI -0.62, Eff 108 and MBT 105, as well as a final ADG of 2.03 and ADG ratio of 101. The American Aberdeens can be found in the Midland Bull Test Catalog on pages 124-126. Visit midlandbulltest.com for final test results.

Leaders Class 1 ADG leader 1/2 – Lot 1005 – 2.01 1/2 – Lot 1007 – 2.01 3 – Lot 1008 – 1.96 4 – Lot 1016 – 1.88 5 – Lot 1036 – 1.74 Class 2 ADG leader 1 – Lot 1033 – 2.63 2 – Lot 1022 – 2.59 3 – Lot 1039 – 2.25 4 – Lot 1018 – 2.23 5 – Lot 1035 – 2.21

Class 1 WDA leader 1 – Lot 1008 – 2.12 2 – Lot 1007 – 2.09 3/4 – Lot 1005 – 2.06 3/4 – Lot 1016 – 2.06 5 – Lot 1036 – 1.95 Class 2 WDA leader 1 – Lot 1039 – 2.72 2 – Lot 1018 – 2.65 3 – Lot 1033 – 2.62 4 – Lot 1004 – 2.6 5 – Lot 1006 – 2.56

The Wyoming Livestock Roundup team would like to thank Bill Angell for all of his hard work in helping put together the Midland Bull Test Edition. His incredible effort selling and laying out ads helps this edition come together each year.

Thanks, Bill!

2018 Midland Bull Test Edition

Page 12

Crossbreeding, targeted focus promotes biggest bang for buck on commercial operations

Crossbreeding with breeds that complement each other can help create a ranching operation the next generation can profit from, according to an animal scientist Extension specialist from the University of Nebraska. Passing on a viable ranching operation to the next generation is the goal for most ranchers, but passing on a ranch with just a love for cows is not the same thing, Matt Spangler tells producers. Complementarity One way to create profit is by focusing on breed complementarity by crossbreeding. “True breed complementarity is a combination or merger of a breed that is strong in terminal strengths, like growth and

carcass merit, with a breed or combination of breeds that are strong in maternal characteristics. The goal is to combine the terminal and maternal breeding systems,” he says. The majority of cow/ calf producers sell some calves at weaning and keep some back for replacement heifers. “The problem with that is, we are leaving money on the table. The pervasive thought is one breed can do it all, and that is simply not true. There is not one breed out there that excels in all areas of profitability,” he says. “It is also false to say one bull can do it all,” Spangler continues. “What if I said forget about maternal strengths and focus on terminal strengths or vice

Advantages of crossbreeding – Matt Spangler says one breed cannot accomplish all goals, noting that complementarity, or combining breeds strategically for the best traits, can offer opportunity for producers. Saige Albert photo

versa?” “The more traits we focus on, the less progress we make,” he explains. Terminal traits If a producer sells terminal calves at weaning and those calves excel in the same traits as the producer’s bull battery, then that producer is not maximizing profit, Spangler suggests. “Some would counter that is the way we have always done it, but that is not a valid argument,” he adds. Terminal traits of importance are calf survival, male fertility, disease susceptibility, calving ease direct, growth rate, feed efficiency, carcass quality and composition. “If a producer selects bulls with a lower birthweight EPD for calving ease or selects bulls that have higher calving ease direct EPDs and they keep replacement heifers out of these bulls, there is a slight antagonism between calving ease direct and calving ease maternal,” Spangler explains. He continues, “If they select for maternal calving ease over and over and over, there is a chance those daughters they keep back will have a harder time giving birth as a first calf heifer.” On the other hand, if all the calves are terminal,

Selling #1 Angus ADG Sire Group by MAR Innovation 251

S S Innovation E96

Lot 222 • 12-23-16

ADG

Rat

WDA

365

4.22

126

3.12

103

Milk

+2.0

+70

+28

+123

Lot 223 • 1-13-17

ADG

1222

EFF

IND

125

114

Rat

WDA

3.79

109

+3.0

+60

365

3.12

1157

Milk

EFF

IND

+34

+103

100

S S Innovation E107 Lot 224 • 1-16-17

DG #3 Aup 1 Gro ss 1 Cla 222 Lot

ADG

Rat

WDA

365

4.18

120

3.49

105

1289

41.5

Milk

EFF

IND

+2.4

+68

+25

+123

113

112

2-6-17

1-26-17

Sire: S S Archer C3

Rat

WDA

365

ADG

Rat

WDA

365

3.71

107

3.43

105

1281

3.64

105

3.30

104

1276

36.5

Milk

EFF

IND

Milk

EFF

IND

+0.7

+65

+34

+115

101

107

+1.8

+84

+29

+139

105

Lot 225 226 228 229 232

Birth 12-31-16 1-3-17 1-15-17 1-28-17 1-26-17

Sire Deer Valley Patriot 3222 Deer Valley Patriot 3222 Carter’s Omaha Carter’s Omaha Baldridge Jennings Z064

ADG 4.56 3.85 3.69 3.77 3.53

and Performance

Selling 5 Angus Bulls at FEATURING

CED: +7 • BW: +2.2 • WW: +68 • YW: +121 •M: +40 Final Wt: 1353# • ADG Ratio: 103 • WDA: 3.56 YR: 107 • Eff Ratio: 102 • MBT: 107

ADG

Also Selling:

RL TOUR OF DUTY APPOLLO 7045

S S Whale E150

Dam Prod 2 NR 110 • 1 YR 103 Marb +.66 • RE +.81 • $W 75.65 • $B 138.22

in Continu

says. “Smaller cows may or may not be more efficient, but they can be more profitable bred to terminal sires.” “Trying to be all-purpose reduces efficiency and profitability. We can’t be allpurpose and maximize profitability. Selecting for fewer traits leads to faster progress in those traits we are selecting for,” he explains. He referred to a quote from Burke Teichert, a cattle management consultant. “Let the imagination wander. What if smaller ranchers were to buy all their replacement heifers from a large ranch. The smaller ranch would never have to breed or calve a heifer, only cows. It would ensure cow size is small and allow breeding to a terminal sire to allow growth and carcass,” Spangler quoted. “All calves would then be sold with no replacements retained. The larger ranch is already breeding replacements and calving heifers, so why not breed a few more and sell some to the smaller ranch?” Gayle Smith is a correspondent for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

LOT 342

Lot 221

Sire: Carter’s Omaha

“The challenge is, does it make sense to sort 10 to 20 heifers out of the herd and manage them as a group and have to calve at night for that small of a number? We should ask ourselves if our time could be better spent elsewhere,” he tells producers. “I would argue that completely eliminating calving heifers could make the ranch more profitable and certainly more enjoyable,” Spangler says. “However, these smaller herds represent a larger fraction of sale herds in the U.S. But, there is room for improvement.” For some producers, the solution may be as simple as implementing a system where one producer produces maternal replacements and another produces terminal calves and outsources their maternal replacements from the first producer. Challenges Spangler sees breed means coming together, which hurts complementarity. “However, if we are a seedstock producer, there is nothing wrong with differentiating our cattle as maternal or terminal breeds,” he

#1 A Gro DG Clasup 1 Lot s 1 225

Lot 230

S S Omaha E179

“Trying to be all-purpose reduces efficiency and profitability.” – Matt Spangler, University of Nebraska

lity A Tradition of Proven Qua

10 Bulls - Avg Ratios: ADG 113 • YR 103 • MBT Index 106

S S Innovation E12

meaning they were selected for terminal traits like hot carcass weight, yield grade and marbling, other negative effects can be seen, Spangler says. “If we use that index and keep back replacement heifers, we have just said we’re choosing bulls to breed females based on hot carcass weight, marbling and yield grade. Carcass characteristics are probably not the list we want to use to select females from,” he adds. Trends Genetic trends in the Angus breed, which means the average of the Angus breed, have made tremendous strides in yearling weight, hot carcass weight and carcass marbling, which are all terminal characteristics. “The way we think about breeds now has to be reflective of the breed averages we see today. A great example is mature cow weight. We used to think British breeds were conservative in size and continental breeds were large in mature size. Now, a lot of our British breeds have become a lot larger than the Continental breeds,” he says. Replacements Ideally, small ranches should keep their replacement heifers separate from the rest of the herd, like larger ranches do.

LOT 345 RL BONUS 4345 ACHILLIES 7606 CED: +10 • BW: -0.1 • WW: +65 • YW: +121 • M: +44 Final Wt: 1233# • ADG Ratio: 115 • WDA: 3.31 YR: 108 • Eff Ratio: 89 • MBT: 106

A double bred Concensus Dam Prod 1 NR 127 • RE +1.18 $W 90.06 • $B 194.66 Rat 131 115 110 109 102

WDA 3.58 3.20 3.22 3.38 3.23

YR 110 107 100 106 98

NR 113 107 100 119 111

365 1344 1268 1192 1302 1198

SC 38 36.5 38 38 37

EFF 113 82 93 95 86

IND 117 103 101 106 99

Stewart Select Angus Andrew Stewart 1601 N. County Rd. 200E ~ Greensburg, IN 47240 812-614-4867 • 800-722-8557

For more information on any of our bulls on test or our program, please contact:

Rock Lake Land and Cattle, LLC Todd Platt and Family Wheatland, Wyoming • 307-331-1175

Wyoming Livestock Roundup

Page 13

Texas Tech researcher says brisket disease is more than a high-altitude problem

A producer went out and checked his calves. One of the calves was lethargic, had labored breathing, weight loss, droopy ears and a rough hair coat. The producer was sure the calf was coming down with a respiratory virus or pneumonia and gave the calf some medication. Two weeks later, the producer finds the calf dead. This producer assumes the calf died from pneumonia so he doesn’t have it necropsied. But, according to Joe Neary, who is a professor with the Department of Animal and Food Sciences at Texas Tech University, this calf showed classical symptoms of brisket disease or congenital heart failure. More than high altitude Once called high altitude disease, Neary wants producers to know that brisket disease or congenital heart failure is not unique to high altitudes. “Brisket disease is not high altitude disease,” he states. “Historically, it was only found at altitudes over 7,000 feet, but that is no longer true,” he says. “We are seeing more and more brisket disease at lower altitudes all the time.” Congenital heart failure is becoming an

increasing problem. “We know this for sure in the feedlot industry, and since the cow/calf sector parallels the feedlot industry, it is likely occurring there, too,” Neary says. Diagnosis Because the disease is hard to diagnose, Neary encourages producers to take a closer look at their sick cattle. “A calf may present signs of chronic pneumonia, but it may have brisket disease because they present the same,” he says. The only visible symptom that is directly related to brisket disease is the distention and pulsation of the jugular vein. “I would encourage producers to talk to their veterinarian about how to do a necropsy. It may turn out to be brisket disease that has gone undiagnosed for several years,” Neary says. Heart disease Cattle can have congenital heart failure from birth. Brisket disease is initiated outside the heart, starting in the pulmonary vessels. It passes through the right side of the heart, through the pulmonary vessels to the left side of the heart, eventually affecting the whole heart.

Low levels of oxygen cause the pulmonary artery to contract causing the acute, rapid response all animals have when they are at a high altitude. If low oxygen remains, arteries thicken and contract down. Resistance increases, pressure increases, and the right side of the heart works harder to pump blood. Eventually, the blood backs up in the venous circulation causing a congestion of blood to increase in pressure in the venous blood. This causes water to move from the bloodstream into the tissues causing swelling in the brisket, under jaw, abdomen, chest and around the heart. Not all animals present the same way, so swelling may only be present in some areas. If a calf with brisket disease is necropsied, water can be seen in the brisket region, the liver will appear mottled from the cells dying off, and fluid will be present in the sack around the heart. Taking action Since pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) is a moderately to highly heritable trait, breeding stock can be screened to identify animals most susceptible to low levels of oxygen.

2 Outstanding Sons of SydGen Black Pearl 2006 Swanson Black Pearl 17-280 • 1-15-17 ADG Rat. WDA

365

4.15

120

3.67

110

1350

Milk

Eff

IND

+2.1

Lot 203 Marb RE +.64 +.56

$W 74.42

$B 156.34

+62

+37

+106

108

ADJ REA 16.5

365

3.41

102

3.18

1176

Milk

Eff

IND

+0.5

+53

+39

+98

disease is also occurring in Holstein dairy heifers. “It is the second leading cause of death, after pneumonia, in cows under 1.5 years of age,” he explains. Gayle Smith is a correspondent for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr. net.

Brisket disease – A researcher from Texas Tech University says brisket disease is not just a problem for cattle at high altitude. Rather, the congenital heart defect can impact animals of any age from 2,000 feet to 9,000 feet, causing potentially tremendous losses for producers. Saige Albert photo

Bluegrass Top Ten 716

12-23-16

2 4 7

by EF Top Ten 3186

ADG

Rat

WDA

205

365

4.02

120

3.40

106

740

106

1264

Milk

Eff

IND

1.5

122

104

109

Carcass plus maternal - CED +9 $B 175.56 Dam Prod 4 NR 105 • 2 YR 107 • REA Rat 114 %IMF Rat 130

Bluegrass Aviator 712 12-21-16

L o t

by Musgrave Aviator

ADG

Rat

WDA

205

365

3.70

110

3.35

105

759

108

1250

Milk

Eff

IND

-0.4

100

102

39.5

106

2 4 1

Another calving ease special - CED +11 Dam Prod 4 NR 105

Bluegrass Aviator 700

L o t

12-13-16

2 4 0

Lot 204

ADJ REA 14.1 • Ratio 113 • ADJ %IMF 5.62 • Ratio 137

Swanson Angus Farms

Neary says calves need to be screened at the cow/calf level, and those that have high PAP scores need to be managed differently. “Brisket disease is not high-altitude disease. It can occur at 2,000 feet or at 9,000 feet,” he states. The disease isn’t just a problem in the beef industry. Neary says brisket

L o t

REA Ratio 132

CED +15 • Marb +.89 • RE +.33 Calving Ease bull $W 62.40 • $B 126.81

“Brisket disease is not high-altitude disease. It can occur at 2,000 feet or at 9,000 feet.” – Joe Neary, Texas Tech University

Top Set of Angus Bulls

Outstanding Performance bull out of a CC & 7 daughter (3 NR 108 • 1 YR 115)

Swanson Black Pearl 27-218 • 1-16-17 ADG Rat. WDA

“Those animals should be identified and removed from the herd,” Neary says. The PAP test involves putting a large-gauge needle into the jugular vein and feeding a catheter through the jugular vein, through the right atrium, through the right ventricle, up into the pulmonary artery. PAP is measured at that point. A couple years ago, Neary says 58 calves were PAP tested at three-months of age at a ranch at 9,000 feet. Of these 58 calves, seven died between three and seven months of age from brisket disease. “All of the calves were healthy at the time of testing,” he says. Selection Since brisket disease is a moderately heritable trait, selecting on PAP should reduce the incidence of brisket disease in the calf crop, Neary says. In a study of 1.6 million feedlot cattle in Canada and the U.S., only three in every 10,000 cattle died from this disease in 2000, five times more calves than died from digestive disorders at that time. However, eight years later, the incidence of brisket disease had doubled in feedlot cattle.

Glen Swanson • 563-940-6429 Durant, Iowa

by Musgrave Aviator

ADG

Rat

WDA

205

365

3.46

103

3.13

104

760

109

1241

Milk

Eff

IND

-3.8

102

121

109

Calving ease deluxe - CED +19 Dam Prod 1 NR 109 • Mat Grandam Prod 6 NR 101

Additional Bluegrass Prospects Lot Sire 242 243 244 245 246

Musgrave Aviator CRA Bextor 872 5205 608 KCF Bennett Homestead Mill Bar Hickok 7242 Mill Bar Hickok 7242

BW WW Milk YW ADG Rat WDA YR

-0.7 0.7 -0.7 0.6 2.5

41 61 45 69 71

28 36 34 24 26

76 107 77 114 117

3.58 3.41 3.03 3.05 3.36

107 102 90 91 97

3.22 101 40 3.42 109 37 2.87 92 35 3.08 97 34 3.26 101 35.5

Eff IND

120 108 95 104 94 94 98 96 105 103

Bluegrass Angus Farm Bill Riecken • (402) 687-2181 e-mail: bluegrassangus@huntel.net 612 County Road U • Lyons, NE 68038

2018 Midland Bull Test Edition

Page 14

Saner: Reproductive efficiency provides important consideration to the bottom line Heifers that become pregnant within the first 21 days of the breeding season are 80 percent more likely to be in the cowherd nine years later, a University of Nebraska beef specialist tells producers. Because pregnancy has four times more impact on the cow than any other production trait, producers should continue to find ways to improve the reproductive efficiency in their cowherds, according to Randy Saner. Research has shown that heifers bred 22 to 42 days into the breeding season are only 60 percent likely to be in the herd nine years later. “Depreciation is significant. We are losing money if we can’t keep cows in the herd long-

term,” Saner says. Early breeding Getting the heifer bred within the first 21 days of the breeding season will likely improve the herd’s reproductive efficiency. Saner shares the results of research using a CIDR (controlled internal drug release) with progesterone in a timed artificial insemination (AI) program. The pregnancy rate of heifers in this program increased from 81 percent to 93 percent. This increase caused a trickle down impact, producing heavier calves at weaning and increasing the value per calf by $169. Saner figures, by getting these cows bred earlier, the calves were 50 pounds heavier at weaning. In a 300-head cowherd, this increased the value of the

calf crop from $26,000 to $51,000, he says. Fall-born heifers Saner shares with producers studies looking into how to increase the value of fall-born heifers. “Usually, fall-born heifers selling in the spring are not worth as much as spring-born heifers selling in the fall,” he says. “If we can get them bred before they are two-year-olds, they could be a cheaper source of replacements.” Research at the University of Nebraska looked at breeding 311-dayold heifers using MGA (melengestrol acetate) or CIDRs. The two methods didn’t produce a lot of difference in estrus response, age of breeding or pregnancy rate, Saner says, but he noted there are cost differences because the CIDRs are more expensive. The beef specialist thinks these heifers can be developed from weaning to pregnancy diagnosis for around $1,550 a head. “It is pretty reasonable to develop them, but producers need to realize they may have a higher number of opens because they are younger,” he says. If producers try to breed fall-born heifers, Saner notes the importance of using a calving-ease bull because these heifers

Improving performance - For cows and heifers, reproductive efficiency requires early breed back and high pregnancy rates to increase potential profit for cattle producers. Saige Albert photo

SELLING 10 POWERFUL GROWTH BULLS

will be smaller and have smaller pelvic areas. Pregnancy rates Comparing pregnancy rates using fixed time AI with MGA or CIDRs, a study of 5,000 heifers at Ainsworth, Neb. produced similar results. Overall, pregnancy rates were 93 percent using MGA versus 90 percent with CIDRs. However, using MGA can result in savings, since CIDRs are more expensive. “MGA is cheaper, but if they won’t eat it, we will have a problem. The benefit of using a CIDR is once it’s in there, we’re set,” Saner says. Producers can also add value to non-pregnant females by synchronizing them with a seven-day CIDR-PG (prostaglandin) protocol, prior to a 60-day natural service breeding season with a one-to-25 bull-to-cow ratio, Saner continues. In a University of Nebraska study, these cows were pregnancy checked by ultrasound 30 days after the bulls were removed, and two weeks later, on March 1, the open cows were sold. The pregnant cows were sold two months later, in mid-April, when grass was more readily available. “Holding the cows over until spring may increase their value,” Saner

“We are losing money if we can’t keep cows in the herd long-term.” – Randy Saner, University of Nebraska explains. Cow considerations Producers should also consider a crossbred cow breeding program to increase the longevity of the herd. Saner says a crossbred cow averages 1.3 times longer in the herd, one more calf during her lifetime and weans an additional 600 pounds over a straight-bred cow. “At today’s costs, that is about $3,000 more income,” he notes. “As things get tighter, this may be one way to improve profitability.” Matching cow size to available resources can also improve herd efficiency. “Managing cow size is important. As the cow gets bigger, she needs more feed, more protein and more energy. There is nothing wrong with a bigger cow if we have an abundance of grass and corn. However, the bigger cow may be more suitable to a producer in Illinois than in short grass prairie, where our resources are more limited,” Saner says. Performance Saner reiterates the importance of reproductive performance, calling it a

crucial part of the breeding program. “Building a heifer is not cheap. It is important to match cow size to the forage resources we have available. Higher milking cows have higher forage needs and greater maintenance requirements. It takes bigger organs to produce more milk,” he explains. Saner encourages producers to know their costs and keep good records so they can evaluate changes they make to their operations. The key is to improve stocking rates, while decreasing costs and improving revenue, he explains. “We might consider things like implementing a rotational grazing program or adding the crossbred cow to improve herd longevity,” he says. “Don’t do things like selecting for excessive growth or milk or chase only post weaning and carcass traits.” Gayle Smith is a correspondent for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr. net.

5 BULLS FROM MACHOLAN ANGUS LOT 460

Lot 160 KB-Discovery of 164 E12

1-18-17

Macholan Statement K087-KM

Lot 156

1-8-17 • Sire: Jindra Acclaim

KB-Weigh Up of C18 D45

by VAR Discovery 2240

12-17-16

by Plattemere Weigh Up K360

ADG

Rat

WDA

365

ADG

Rat

WDA

ADG

Rat

WDA

4.11

127

3.46

118

1375

38.0

4.15

120

3.44

104

42.5

3.98

115

3.29

100

Milk

Eff

IND

Eff

IND

Eff

IND

+3.2

+79

+147

116

111

+0.7

+76

+139

103

Out of a Consensus dam • Dam Prod 3 NR 102 • 2 YR 103

#3 ADG Group 2 Class 1

Top 1% YW • Top 2% WW, CW, $W and $F • Top 3% $B

+1.3 +75 +29 +154 112 118 By the tremendous sire: Jindra Acclaim. A son of Acclaim just brought $135,000 at Jindra’s sale. Marb +0.61 • RE +0.78

LOT 455

Macholan Final Design 1407 12-28-16 • Sire: Connealy Final Product ADG

Lot 155

Lot 165

KB-All In of 4044 D44

12-16-16 ADG

Rat

WDA

3.88

112

3.41

+75

+137

+0.7

KB-Absolute Advantage E20

by Deer Valley All In

1-25-17

ADG

104

Eff

IND

101

104

by RB Absolute Advantage

Rat

WDA

4.11

118

3.42

104

Eff

IND

+4.0

+77

+136

104

109

Top 1% YW, CEM, $W • Top 2% WW, $F

Top 2% WW, YW, RADG, CW, $F, $B • $B 190.07

Also Selling: Lot 157 158 159 162 163 164

DOB 12-30-16 1-9-17 1-17-17 2-5-17 2-7-17 2-23-17

Sire Quaker Hill Rampage 0A36 V A R Discovery 2240 Quaker Hill Rampage 0A36 WR Journey-1X74 Quaker Hill Rampage 0A36 Deer Valley All In

BW +3.7 +2.8 +0.5 -0.1 +2.2 +3.6

WW +61 +80 +65 +61 +74 +84

Milk +27 +26 +24 +35 +15 +21

YW +111 +144 +115 +107 +131 +149

ADG 3.20 3.60 3.35 3.08 3.98 3.30

KB ANGUS

Rat 92 104 97 92 115 95

WDA 3.08 3.16 3.16 3.18 3.46 3.52

IND 97 98 97 102 106 101

Merritt, Michigan • Kevin Beckington • 734-368-8430 • www.kbangus.com

Rat

WDA

365

3.48

108

3.10

102

1189

Milk

Eff

IND

+0.7

+57

+19

+97

102

Calving Ease • CED +10 • Top 2% for CEM Dam Prod 4 NR 104 • Marb EPD +1.02

Additional Bulls Selling: Lot

Sire

Milk

ADG

Rat

WDA

457

PA Full Power 1208

+0.8

+49

+20

+95

3.08

3.10

101

458

R B Active Duty 010

+2.3

+61

+21

+106

3.21

2.95

459

A A R Ten X 7008 S A

+0.6

+57

+23

+111

3.48

108

2.93

Jim, Jessica & Keaton Macholan

2250 Road 47• Linwood, NE 68036 402-750-3543 • 402-666-5873 macholanangus@nntc.net • www.MacholanAngus.com

Wyoming Livestock Roundup

Page 15

Management practices can impact frequency of summer pneumonia in calves

David Smith, an epidemiologist at Mississippi State University, says he largely studies infection diseases of cattle with the idea of trying to understand how to manage cattle to prevent problems. “Recently, we’ve been studying pneumonia in calves prior to weaning,” Smith explains, noting several management practices can impact pneumonia in calves. “I’m talking about work that’s been done by a large number of people.” “The tradition in veterinary medicine is to think about a host-agent interaction,” Smith says. “Sometimes we think about what’s going on in the environment, but we often think about the bug and then ask if there is an antibiotic to kill it or vaccine to prevent the infection.” He continues, “For pneumonia, we have to think broadly, because there are much broader issues that sometimes affect disease ecology.” Disease challenges When a calf is born, Smith says there are many hazards the calf faces between the moment it hits the ground and weaning. “In the first few weeks of life, the calf’s big risks are the weather, injury, predators and disease,” he says. “From three weeks of age until weaning, the leading cause of death in calves is pneumonia.”

Smith focused on pneumonia, opting to look at what goes on outside the animal that influences the risk in the herd to have the disease. Disease agents Further, when looking at the cause of pneumonia, Smith says all bacterial pathogens that may be connected to pneumonia are found in calves, including Mannheimias, Pasturellas, Histophilus, et cetera can be found. “We’re confident this is not necessary just a bovine respiratory disease (BRD) problem,” he says. “It may be present in some cases, but it’s not in all cases.” Further, Smith says they are suspicious about the role of bovine corona virus. As antibodies are lost when the calf ages, Smith comments, “It doesn’t matter how high the antibody counts were, they’re gone by 90 days of age.” While calves can also respond to disease after that point in time, prior to five to eight months of age, the immune response is slower, weaker and easy to overcome. “There is a point in time when antibodies from colostrum are disappearing and the immune system hasn’t ramped up to full power,” Smith says. “That’s the time calves get sick.” Risk factors Smith explains his team looked for risk factors impact-

ing sick calves, saying, “Those calves that got sick in the first 75 days were most likely to have a two-year-old dam for a mother. In fact, they were five times more likely to get sick if their dam was a two-year-old in the first 75 days.” Later illness was more likely to result in calves born to older cows. “We thought illness in calves before 75 days might have to do with lack of passive transfer in terms of colostrum in heifers,” he says. “Failure to receive colostrum puts calves at risk of pneumonia prior to 75 days of age.” Rapid epidemics of sickness is often seen in calves that are between three and five months of age, Smith says, explaining, “These calves have lost their immunity all at the same time, leaving them more susceptible to disease.” “There are two patterns resulting from passive transfer of immunity, resulting in sporadic cases of disease in young calves and loss of immunity, resulting in larger outbreaks in calves that are 75 to 150 days of age,” he explains. Environmental factors Management practices, environmental conditions and more have implications on pneumonia in calves. “There was a positive association with the use of estrus cycle synchronization programs in cattle and pneumonia,” Smith says. “Produc-

ers who reported problems with pneumonia in calves also were more likely to say they use estrus cycle synchronization.” Further, Smith adds, “They were also more likely to say they introduced calves from an outside source or that they offered supplemental feed to calves using creep feed.” Following the survey, Smith’s research team introduced a second study, randomly selecting control herds with less than half of one percent of calves affected by BRD and case herds, which treated more than five percent of calves treated for BRD. Thirty control herds and 54 case herds were identified, and three factors were significantly associated with case herds, says Smith, including number of cows, whether intensive grazing was used and whether or not cows were synchronized for breeding. “The odds for a case herd increased with the size of the herd,” he says. “Herds that did intensive grazing were three times more likely to be a case herd, and the use of a synchronization program increased the odds that they had BRD was 4.5 times greater.”

“We’re looking at pneumonia in calves prior to weaning as a childhood disease in cattle due to their age-related susceptibility because they’ve lost their colostrum and herd immunity,” Smith says. “Paradoxically, it seems to be associated with highly managed herds – larger herds following intensive grass and reproductive management.” Importance To evaluate whether factors are important is determined by running calculations, which Smith’s team did. “In herds with 499 head with summer pneumonia, 71 percent of the risk is explained by herd size,” he says. Producer who do intensive grazing and have pneumonia can attribute 60 percent of the risk of the disease to intensive grazing. Finally, herds with BRD challenges that also utilize estrus synchronization can attribute 64 percent of their risk due to the synchronization strategy. “Those are big numbers. They’re important,” Smith adds. “These three factors explain more than half of the occurrence of calf-hood BRD. Intensive management practices and larger herd size seem

8from TopGardiner AngusPrime Prospects Angus

Power Bulls from Fraser

L o t

including the #1 WDA Angus Group 2 Class 1

5 5

#1 WDA Group 2 Class 1

Fraser Pacific 705

1-18-17 ADG

Rat

WDA

365

3.81

118

3.92

120

1397

112

Milk

Eff

IND

1.3

125

115

69.14

116

3-20-17

Sire: MCD SF Total Package 1337

ADG

Rat

WDA

365

3.06

3.31

108

1259

116

Milk

Eff

IND

0.1

134

112

78.78

108

629 631

83 79 83

365

3.09

1141

Milk

Eff

IND

2.2

101

103

102

18 18 24

* Lot 628 is #3 WDA Angus Group 2 Class 1

132 129 134

3.62 112 2.93 91 3.71 114

5 Bulls Avg Ratio: NR 108 • YW EPD 131 • YR 111 • MBT IND 108

Fraser ranch Luann Fraser • 530-228-3567 • Paxico, KS

WDA

365

3.88

112

3.32

101

1234

Milk

Eff

IND

2.4

143

102

107

5 8

Out of a Final Answer daughter.

1-23-17

by Connealy Regulator

GPAR Comrade E42

5 4

ADG

Rat

WDA

365

3.71

111

3.01

1174

Milk

Eff

IND

-0.9

111

100

105

205 da 752# NR 109 Out of a Ten X daughter. He stacks Comrade,Ten X and Capitalist, three high accuracy sires in the breed.

1-19-17 by Connealy Comrade 1385

3.54 116 103 110 110 36.5 3.54 109 111 94 101 36 3.32 104 100 105 106 37

Rat

205 da 781# NR 113 $B 172.55 Top 1% for WW, YW and carcass weight and top 2% for $B

Sire: Fraser Fireman 1195

BW WW Milk YW ADG Rat WDA YR NR Eff IND SC

Fraser Fireman 1195 0.5 MCD SF Total Package 1337 1.2 Fraser Fireman 1195 0.8

WDA

114

Lot 633

Additional Prospects * 628

Rat

3.94

ADG

L o t

4-15-17

Sire

ADG

GPAR Regulator E84

L o t

Fraser Easterner 704L

REA 12.4 % IMF 3.75 Dam Prod: 1 NR 116 • CED +9

Lot

by Connealy Regulator

GPAR Regulator E90

ADJ REA 107 ADJ % IMF 125 Dam Prod: 3 NR 104 • 1 YR 103

Lot 630

to be associated with BRD.” Explaining why The reasons why intensive management and larger herds can lead to increased risk for BRD, according to Smith, is that the practices increase the opportunities for calves to be closer together. “If we talk about a contagious pathogen, there are greater opportunities for one calf to share with another with these practices,” he explains. In particular, use of estrus synchronization can stress calves, also exposing them to dust and commingling them in pens for longer periods of time. “As we tighten up the calving distribution and have more and more calves in a shorter period of time, they all become susceptible in a shorter window of time, leading to the sudden loss of herd immunity,” comments Smith. He continues, “The question for producers to ask themselves is, can we get the cost associated with summer pneumonia back by using estrus synchronization?” Saige Albert is managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to saige@wylr.net.

Also Selling Lot Sire 50 52 56 57 60

Sitz Dividend 649C Connealy Comrade 1385 Connealy Regulator Connealy Regulator Sitz Dividend 649C

GPAR

BW WW Milk YW ADG Rat WDA YR

0.7 -0.8 0.3 1.6 0.4

70 45 53 52 60

28 32 15 17 31

Gardiner Prime Angus Ranch

126 88 88 94 123

3.11 3.60 3.33 3.35 3.64

93 107 99 100 109

2.90 3.01 2.97 3.06 3.20

90 94 95 94 99

365 Eff IND

1068 87 93 1117 128 107 1133 96 100 1120 93 96 1172 108 106

Pat & Ada Gardiner 6503 Farm to Market Road Bonners Ferry, ID 83805 208-267-3194 Glenn Ensz, Ranch Manager 208-597-0617 www.gardinerprimeangus.com

2018 Midland Bull Test Edition

Page 16

Reproductive technologies offer numerous benefits for commercial cow/calf operations “We’re where the rubber meets the road,” Barb Downey of Downey Ranch says, noting she and her husband run a cow/calf operation near Wamego, Kan. Their spring calving operation runs 550 females, of which about 150 are registered. “We run a range-type program,” she continues. “Our cows are out yearround grazing dormant range, stock-piled forages and improved forages.” The family works diligently to run a low-input herd, utilizing artificial insemination (AI) and yearround on-range grazing. Downey notes reproductive technologies are important to their operation. “We use AI pretty extensively now,” she says. “We have also used more and more estrus synchronization, and everything we breed is synchronized now.” Heifers are synchronized using an MGA program. They are heatdetected and cleaned up using timed AI. Cows are bred using exclusively timed AI. “We have also used sexed semen, particularly during the expansion phase,” Downey continues. “We also use ultrasound.” Embryo transfer is utilized only in their seedstock herd, and Downey adds,

“We also do some fun things with management that I say help our technology go further and do better for us.” From the beginning For Downey Ranch, synchronizing heifers was the “low-hanging fruit,” says Downey. “It was easy to do from the beginning.” Cows were AI’ed on natural heats for many years, but as the operation expanded, the process became infeasible. “As we got bigger, we just couldn’t do it. We started syncing some of our mature cows in the late 2000s,” she explains. “Starting in 2011, we started syncing everything. The AI date is 45 days or greater postpartum.” Time table In 2017, May 11 was the breeding date for Downey Ranch. Their first calf heifers were AI’ed on May 15. “We keep our first-calf heifers separate to make sure they’re getting proper attention,” she says. Downey adds, “We also AI commercial and registered cattle separately to keep manageable size groups.” The registered cattle were AI’ed May 22 and finished with their commercial and recipient cows on May 26. Embryo transfer occurred on June 2.

“May is chaos at the ranch,” she says. “Why do we spend all this time and put ourselves through hell in May? The benefits of AI and synchronization tested by researchers are real, obvious and proven.” Proven semen Downey adds proven conception rate semen is huge. “Fertility is everything to our bottom line. If we can tick that up a little bit more and use a good settler, it makes a huge difference.” If synchronized cows are in heat on day one coupled with high conception rate semen, the commercial F1 base herd remains intact. “Then we can deliberately plan our matings. If I’ve got a reproductively sound cow, there is no way I am going to cull her because her calf hung up a select carcass,” Downey says. “I’ll take a calf every time, but I can maybe dink with the EPD program we use.” “Then, at that point in time, we’ve already naturally selected for the females – both F1 and straight bred – that are most fertile in the system. It’s a nice way to do that and cut the bull battery about in half, which is not inconsequential.” Synchronizing Synchronizing independent of AI has also been hugely important, says

Downey. “Calves born in the first 25 days of our calving season have increased since we’ve been synchronizing all the calves and not just some of them,” she says. Since implementing a synchronization program in 2011 for the vast majority of their cowherd, Downey Ranch has been able to increase the percentage of cow calving in the first 25 days of the calving season. Today, 77.8 percent of the herd calves in the first 25 days, which is an increase in 12 percent over initial values. “When we moved to synchronizing all our cows, the days to have a calf also decreased,” she says. At the same time, they eliminate labor from heat detecting cows, and the post-partum time for the cow is increased. If she calves on day one of the calving season, their cows have 82 days before breeding, increasing their chance of early breeding. Sexed semen Downey Ranch sells bred heifers annually in their sale, and they have developed a strong market for bred heifers. “We purchase sexed semen, and we sexed a Hereford bull that we really like the F1 baldy females from,” she explains.

“Why do we spend all this time and put ourselves through hell in May? The benefits of AI and synchronization proven by researchers are real, obvious and proven.” – Barb Downey, Downey Ranch Starting in 2011, they began to watch the market and sold increased numbers of females from 2013 to 2015, averaging $3,300 on the heifers. Downey adds, “We were so lucky. At the same time, our fat cattle were $1,875.” “Last year we got a little more realistic at $2,000 per bred heifer,” she continues. “When we look at all of our costs, heifers paid us $684 more than the steer calves. For us, the sexed semen was definitely worth it.” Ultrasound Downey also utilizes a portable ultrasound machine on the ranch. Prior to 2014, she notes they hired someone to ultrasound our heifers for $1,000. “In 2014, we made a sizable investment and purchased a unit for $4,800,” she comments. “In five years, I paid my share of the ultrasound just by not having someone come in and do it for me.” However, Downey adds the bigger financial gain has come in strategic marketing.

“Ever fall, open cow prices go down the drain,” she says. “Open cows are a sizable income option for any commercial ranch. If I can sell them when they are worth more – not in the fall – and when their body condition is better, we can make money.” “We’re able to also sort our heifers with the ultrasound machine, keeping our first-service AI heifers and marketing the rest,” Downey adds. “If we’re just preg checking and not aging the calves, it’s fast, too, with no wear and tear on my hand.” On a good day, Downey says she could only check about 100 heifers before her hand was tired. Now, they are able to preg check at 30 days. “We can still keep our 60-day calving window intact, too,” she adds. Downey adds, “All of these things have a positive effect that is a little bit better every year.” Saige Albert is managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to saige@wylr.net.

Selling 15 Outstanding Prospects Including the Angus World Champion Pen of 3 • Lots 250, 251, 267 Deppe JA Ten X 717

#4 W Gro DA Clasup 1 s2

Cham Juniopion Bull r

Deppe JA Ten X 722

Deppe GAF Cutting Edge 728

Lot 251

Lot 256

Lot 250

by AAR Ten X 7008 S A#

2-21-17

365

ADG

RAT

WDA

365

ADG RAT WDA

365

ADG

RAT

WDA

365

3.91

113

3.73

111

1355

4.07

117

3.66

109

1328

35.5

3.81

110

3.49

103

1264

4.30

128

4.05

123

1462

41.5

Milk

EFF

IND

Milk

EFF

IND

Milk

EFF

IND

Milk

EFF

IND

+4.5

+67

+21

+118

113

-0.1

+52

+27

+94

109

+2.2

+60

+23

+98

109

107

+4.3

+85

+31

+161

105

118

by AAR Ten X 7008 S A#

Mat Grandam Prod 9 NR 109 2 YR 104 • Dam 3 NR 116 #5 W Grou DA Clas p 1 s2

Deppe Unanimous 799 Lot 261 3-24-17

by Vision Unanimous 1418

ADG RAT WDA

365

3.73

107

3.71

110

1342

Milk

EFF

IND

+3.0

+78

+20

+129

104

109

Dam Prod 7 NR 117 • 1 YR 107 $W 75.69

by SAV Cutting Edge 4857

Lot 267

ADG RAT WDA

2-17-17

2-19-17

Deppe JA Discovery 786

#2 A #1 W DG Grou DA Clas p 1 s2

Out of a beautiful GAR Sunrise daughter. Dam Prod 1 NR 106 • Marb +.94 • $W 58.56

Full Brother to Lot 250 Calving Ease CED +13

ADDITIONAL PROSPECTS Lot Birth Sire 252 2-21-17 SAV Pedigree 4834 254 2-20-17 SAV Pedigree 4834

BW WW Milk YW ADG RAT WDA YR IND +2.5 +90 +32 +155 3.24 93 3.56 109 106 +2.6 +77 +22 +130 3.77 109 3.50 107 107

Eff 105 98

255 257 259 260 263 264 265

+1.9 +2.6 +3.2 +1.2 +1.1 +4.0 +0.5

101 96 105 100 103 126 108

2-24-17 2-25-17 2-12-17 3-25-17 3-25-17 2-22-17 2-25-17

SAV Ten Speed 3022 SAV Cutting Edge 4857 Connealy Capitalist 028# Connealy Capitalist 028# Vision Unanimous 1418 BSAR Opportunity 9114 Connealy Balance

+63 +59 +65 +54 +67 +62 +60

+32 +23 +23 +25 +23 +16 +13

+117 +105 +116 +86 +120 +116 +110

3.85 3.73 3.28 3.36 3.37 3.90 3.81

111 107 98 100 97 112 114

3.67 3.59 3.62 3.51 3.59 3.57 3.45

109 106 111 107 106 106 105

109 104 107 104 105 111 107

15 Bulls Avg. Ratio: ADG 108.3 • WDA 108.7 • MBT Index 108.3 • Eff 105.1

The Deppe Family

Progress Through Testing

Dennis, Jennifer, Julia & Jaden Deppe Waverly, IA • 319-239-1824 www.deppeangus.com

3-20-17

by VAR Discovery 2240

Off the Chart Performance! Tremendous Prospect! Marb +.71 • RE +.73 • $W 74.73 $B 204.13 • REA 117 • IMF 125 Dam Prod 6 NR 117 Mat Grandam Prod 7 NR 116

Deppe GFF Ten Speed 735 Lot 253 2-23-17

by SAV Ten Speed 3022

ADG RAT WDA

365

3.79

109

3.65

108

1322

SC 37

Milk

EFF

IND

+3.0

+54

+14

+110

109

108

Dam Prod 5 NR 106 • RE +.77 $B 156.41

Wyoming Livestock Roundup

Page 17

Practical use of genetic tests allows commercial cattle producers profit opportunities

Megan Rolf of Kansas State University says genetic tests can provide producers with additional information when selecting bulls to improve the likelihood of achieving their desired results. Many people think of genomic testing in terms of testing for quantitative, production traits. “When we do that, we’re usually talking about marker panels that include SNP markers, or SNP chips,” Rolf says. “Basically, a SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) is a single base change in the DNA.” Essentially, she says a SNP is a single “typo” in the DNA. “These tests have a lot of application for both commercial and genetic producers,” she comments. “The other thing we can use this type of market for is parentage testing, and there’s a lot of value available.” Other tests looks for causal mutation, which is a mutation that causes a particular outcome. “For this type of testing, we’re probably talking about things like red versus black coat color or a genetic abnormality,” she comments. Production traits “When we talk about testing for genetic production traits, these are gener-

ally going to be higher density SNP chips when we’re talking about the seedstock industry,” Rolf explains. DNA is collected as a blood sample or hair follicle. “The importance of this step is sometimes understated. It’s really important we get a high quality sample, and seedstock producers need to make sure they follow the breed association’s guidelines for the submission of these samples,” she adds. Rolf continues, “The other really important process is these genotypes get incorporated into the breed association’s national cattle evaluation. That information is included into expected progeny difference (EPD) predictions, as well, to get a genomic-enhanced EPD.” Particularly for younger animals, EPD accuracy is increased based on the added information. “This information can be utilized as a marketing tool, but what genetic testing is designed to do is to enhance our ability to make genetic improvement,” Rolf comments. “We can use the data to make selection decisions to make genetic progress more rapidly.” For example, the dairy industry has achieved substantial increases in genetic gain in their net merit index and in the swine industry,

about a 35 percent increase in genetic gain for the PIC index. How it works Briefly, Rolf explains the information can be used in two ways. “The first way is to estimate the effects of causal mutations or QTN,” she says. SNP markers, which are fairly well distributed across the genome, can be utilized to identify what is going on specific segments of the genome. “This provides information on causal mutations,” Rolf explains. “The other way we can use this information is in defining relationships between animals.” She continues, “What drives traditional genetic evaluation are the pedigree relationships between animals. That is why maintaining the integrity of the pedigree is so important.” In her master’s degree project, Rolf looked at relationships based on pedigree information that was available. In a parallel study, they estimated the same information based on SNP evaluation. “There were a lot of points where the pedigree data did not match the genomic data,” she comments. Use of genomic tests The gold-standard of

3 Top Red Angus Bulls

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+117

118

$160

ADG

RAT

WDA

Eff

IND

3.9

112

3.54

106

102

109

Lot 30

BW 80# • 205 Wt. 778# • 365 wt. 1300# +.56 4.04 4 Marb 13.4 +.5 REA

Allisons Thunder Motivation 2-2-17 BW

Lot 32

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1-11-17

Lot 28 29 31 34

Also Selling BW

-0.5 -1.4

WW 65 67

Milk 24 21

93 102

ADG 3.30 3.36

Rat

108 108

WDA 3.36 3.24

114 118

SC 39 40

IND

100 111

* Lot 790 is #2 WDA Red Angus yellow tag.

Mitchell Red Angus Lebanon, OR • Mark • 541-908-1589

Milk

+1.3

+57

+13

+102

111

$143

ADG

RAT

WDA

Eff

IND

4.11

123

3.52

109

111

114

REA 13.4 Eff 1 +.64 11

by SAV Ten Speed 3022

Milk

+0.0

+53

+26

+99

108

$124

ADG

RAT

WDA

Eff

IND

3.90

116

3.20

100

111

109

Lot 33

Also Offering:

His 1/2 brother, out of the same cow, topped the Washington State Bull Test two years ago. He is backed by tremendous genetics through his dam.

Lot Birth

BW 78# • 205 Wt. 717# • 365 wt.1194#

ADG 4.07 • Rat 133 • WDA 3.61 • YR 120 • 205 871 • 365 1346 • Birth 85 BW -0.9 • WW 60 • Milk 25 • YW 88 • Eff 105 • IND 114 • SC 39

790 1-23-17 791 1-30-17

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BW 80# • 205 Wt. 737# • 365 wt. 1293#

WRAF Cedar Ten 7194 1-27-17

MMF Eldorado 21

over time,” Rolf comments. “For a highly proven sire, we can look up possibly change values in any breed sire summary information, and it can help us form a 68 percent confidence interval around the EPD.” Specifically, the EPD plus or minus the change value, creates a 68 percent confidence interval for the EPD, which is a really narrow range. “On the younger herd sire, we have a much wider range,” she says. “The EPD accuracy helps us manage the risk that we have in that selection division.” For the young sire, a genomic test can increase the confidence producers have in a particular bull’s EPDs. Rolf emphasizes, “That confidence has value.” Saige Albert is managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to saige@wylr.net.

Outstanding Set of Angus Bulls

ADJ #1 Yello WDA w Ta g

L o t

can capitalize on genomic data is by taking advantage of seedstock suppliers who have invested the time and effort into generating the genomic-enhanced EPDs for customers,” Rolf says, noting that producers must decide what the genomic information is worth.” Rolf suggests separating purchasing decisions into several categories. “First are the traits that are absolutely critical for the operation,” she says. “For example, if we choose a bull to breed to heifers, it is critical that we have a reasonable value for calving ease direct (CED).” In a specific example, a young bull and proven sire may have the same EPD for CED, but the accuracy is where the information differs. “Basically the accuracy tells us the confidence we have in that number and how much it might change

Sired by DYK Hatch RT 83W-5102

A #1 WDgus n A Red roup Sire G

7 8 9

genetic testing is a highaccuracy, genomic EPD from a proven bull that has lots of data to back up the EPD prediction. “Unfortunately, though, when we buy a yearling bull, we’ve got a low-accuracy EPD,” Rolf comments. “It’s useful, and it’s the best estimate that we have with all of the information we have available. However, it’s not much.” If a genomic test is available, the information is useful, but there are holes present. “A genomic test doesn’t necessarily explain every bit of genomic variation in that animal,” she explains. “The ideal thing we can do is add them together to get a higher accuracy EPD.” As additional data is collected, higher accuracy is achieved. Commercial cattle “One of the obvious ways commercial cattlemen

Sire BEPD WEPD MEPD YEPD IMF Jennings 2.7 64 24 113 +.45 Top Game 1.9 55 31 104 +.25 Traction 0.9 59 34 103 +.36 Innovation 4.5 67 23 109 +.50 ** Lot 34 is #4 ADG Angus Group 1 Class 2

REA +.68 +.59 +.50 +.67

BW 78 80 75 85

205 725 688 737 747

NR 110 104 111 113

ADG 3.74 3.60 3.39 4.30

Rat 108 104 101 124

Eff 101 112 99 112

$B $158 $101 $126 $145

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2018 Midland Bull Test Edition

Page 18

Managing herds to prevent reproductive diseases decreases abortion, death loss

Most often, reproductive diseases are identified by ranchers during pregnancy checks when the veterinarian comes to the ranch and finds more open cows than normal. For producers who don’t pregnancy check, reproductive diseases may be identified when not as many calves show up as expected. Finally, abortions lead ranchers to start thinking about reproductive diseases. “When we have an abortion, unfortunately, we only diagnosis the actual cause of the abortion between 30 and 44 percent of time,” says Kansas State University Veterinarian Gregg Hanzlicek. “Diagnostics are very, very difficult in abortion work-ups.” However, Hanzlicek says that contagious bac-

teria and viruses are often implicated as the reason for abortion, and producers should be cognizant of the potential negative impact of these diseases on their herds. IBR One cause of viral abortion is IBR, or infectious bovine rhinotracheitis “Since 2014, we have seen a huge increase in the number of IBR abortions,” Hanzlicek comments. “This is a respiratory and reproductive organism that is transmitted through aerosols.” He notes respiratory droplets are enough to transmit IBR, and urine or vaginal fluids can also pass the disease to other animals. “IBR is a herpes virus,” he adds. “There are a lot of

positive animals out there that do not show signs.” Hanzlicek compared IBR to shingles in humans, where humans occasionally show clinical signs of shingles, but often, the virus is latent within the system. “We’ve seen a huge increase in IBR abortions,” he comments. “One of the beliefs was that the use of modified live vaccines in pregnant cows was to blame. We’ve looked at several aborted calves and found the same strain of IBR that was in the vaccine.” Hanzlicek strongly emphasizes this does not mean producers should not use modified live vaccines. Rather, he says, “Follow label instructions, and make sure to consult with a veterinarian on

BLV Kansas State University Veterinarian Gregg Hanzlicek says several diseases may be present and have impacts of reproduction in cattle. “Everyone has heard of bovine leucosis virus, or BLV,” he comments. “National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) did a nationwide cow/calf study in 1999 and found 39 percent of the cow/calf herds were positive.” Additionally, NAHMS found 83 percent of dairy herds had BLV. “This is a huge issue and is very prevalent, at least in the state of Kansas,” Hanzlicek says.

The disease is primarily associated with pre-mature culling, rather than reproduction, but a study that looked at 26 million cows slaughtered in the U.S. “Of those, a little more than half a million were condemned after they were stunned, bled out and hanging on the rail,” he says, noting lymphoma was the results of their condemnation from BLV. “Over the last couple years, several studies in human medicine have been able to find live BLV in both male and female human mammary tumors.” The zoonotic potential of this virus means it may present a problem for cattle production in the future.

GROWTH • CARCASS MATERNAL ANGUS

Lot 127

Next Gen Commando 37 12-28-16 EF Commando 1366 ADG

Rat

WDA

365

3.60

107

3.12

104

1238

36.5

Milk

Eff

IND

+1.4

+57

+28

+101

102

106

vaccination protocols.” BVD Another disease of concern is bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVD). “This is like IBR,” says Hanzlicek. “It’s both a respiratory and a reproductive organism.” Also similar to IBR, transmission of BVD occurs through aerosols and fluids, including saliva, vaginal secretions, uterine secretions and semen, all of which can carry the virus. “We talk a lot of persistently infected (PI) and transiently infected (TI) animals,” he continues. “The thing we have to prevent in our cow/calf herd are persistently infected calves. Those are the calves that are born with BVD. They have a huge amount of virus in all their systems.” Hanzlicek continues, “Any animal they are exposed to is also exposed to huge doses of this BVD virus.” TI animals are not born with the disease, but they are infected for a short period of time. TI livestock can also transmit the disease, but their viral load is much less than PI animals. “It’s important that we try to prevent both TI and PI animals from getting into the cow/calf operation,” he explains. Impacts If a fetus is exposed to BVD from two months to term, there is the possibility the calf will be aborted. “Most often we talk about exposure at 40 to 100 days. If the fetus is exposed during that time and it survives, then there’s the opportunity the calf will be born a PI,” Hanzlicek comments. Additionally, BVD has

“When we have an abortion, unfortunately, we only diagnosis the actual cause of the abortion between 30 and 44 percent of time.” – Gregg Hanzlicek, Kansas State University an impact on fertility and early embryonic death. “I looked for studies where there was natural exposure to BVD on this topic,” he says. “In one study, they took a group of cows that had not been exposed to BVD previously and exposed them to a PI cow and a PI calf during breeding.” The cattle that were exposed and developed an immune response during the breeding season has a pregnancy rate of 44.4 percent. The cows that were exposed but did not mount an immune response until after the breeding season has a pregnancy rate of only 22.2 percent. “Fertility or embryonic death had a huge impact on these herds,” he comments. Another study using heifers that had never been exposed to BVD were exposed to PI and not-PI animals. “Those heifers that were exposed to a PI calf four days after insemination had a pregnancy rate of 44 percent,” he says. “The group that was not exposed to a PI animal had a pregnancy rate of 79 percent.” Additionally, tests showed that the exposed group lost an additional 11 percent of fetuses from 20 days to 77 days. The group that was not exposed did not lose any fetuses. “BVD does have an effect on fertility and early embryonic death,” Hanzlicek comments. “We still have PI animals in our cow/ calf herds, even though we do a good job vaccinating

Dam Prod 1 NR 110 • Marb EPD +0.61 $W 63.57 • $B 127.98

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Next Gen Sensation 227 1-20-17 UPS Sensation 2296 ET ADG

Rat

WDA

365

3.44

125

2.89

108

1098

Milk

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IND

+3.6

+66

+23

+105

109

111

LOTS 357-363 INCLUDING TWO SONS OF BALDRIDGE BULLET B720!

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Milk

ADG

Rat

WDA

Eff

IND

983

SHF York 19H Y02

+2.9

+59

+17

+90

2.95

107

2.62

101

100

984

ECR RO Chosen One 424 ET

+4.8

+65

+28

+100

2.66

2.80

107

103

985

ECR RO Chosen One 424 ET

+4.1

+52

+26

+84

2.66

2.60

106

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and with bio-security.” Neospora caninum Neospora caninum is a protozoa that has increased in prevalence in the Midwest and West. “We can have both horizontal and vertical transmission of this disease,” says Hanzlicek. “Horizontal is transmission from animal to animal, and vertical transmission comes from dam to calf.” He adds that Neospora has several outcomes for infected fetuses. “Infected fetuses are carriers for life, meaning the fetus has the opportunity to pass Neospora on to calves later in life,” he says, adding that abortion is also a potential outcome. Canines are definitive hosts of Neospora. The organism reproduces in canines, including coyotes and dogs. Neospora exists in the feces, which can contaminate water or feed. Then, if goats, sheep, horses or cattle ingest the organism through infected feed or water, they are subsequently infected. “One of the risk factors for positive herds are the number of dogs that are there, since dogs can carry the bug,” Hanzlicek says. “The number of birds in the area is also a risk factor.” “I’m not sure we know much about this disease,” he adds. Effect on the herd Research has shown that livestock positive for Neospora caninum are two to three times more likely to abort their calves than dams not exposed. However, abortion risk decreases by the length of the infection. “There’s a lot of research that shows that in herds that are not newly infected, as the cow or heifer becomes older, even though she remains positive for the infection, her opportunity for aborting decreases through time,” he says. Newly infected herds often show epidemic abortion, with a large number of animals aborting about the same time. “For herds that have been positive for some time, Neospora typically presents as a nagging decrease in fertility or a higher abortion rate than normal,” Hanzlicek says. “It often waxes and wanes.” He adds, “As we think about this disease more often, I’m hoping more people start to study it.” Hanzlicek also emphasizes significantly more research should be done to better understand Neospora and its impact. Saige Albert is managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup and can be reached at saige@wylr. net.

Wyoming Livestock Roundup

Page 19

White discusses nutritional, greenhouse gas impacts of removing animals from U.S. agriculture

When the Dietary Guidelines for Americans were published in 2015, many in the cattle industry remember the conclusions reached by the document, stated reducing the consumption of animal products would have benefits in terms of human health and environmental impacts. “Canada’s Food Guide and Brazil’s equivalent recommendations demonstrate that, around the world in both developed and developing countries, equivalent policy guides are coming out, making the exact same claims that reducing consumption of animal products would benefit human and environmental health,” says Robin White of Virginia Tech University. “This is no longer just a U.S. issue,” comments White. “It is becoming a much more global issue.” Global discussion First, White says any international recognition should ask, from a scientific standpoint, if there is an issue and whether these statements accurate. “If the answer is yes, we need to do something now to change our industry so that the answer becomes no,” she comments. White says livestock play a role in agriculture “by taking a small investment of human edible food and recycling that with additions of by-product feeds and inedible food that otherwise would not make it into the food production system and creating food, fiber, biofuel and other products that are utilized by the human component of our society.” She notes fertilizer is also created. “What livestock are doing is capturing resources that would otherwise not be utilized and re-incorporating them into our system. This is a really important part of efficient and sustainable production,” White says. “But, not all people understand livestock in this context.” The other side Other literature is being leveraged in policy documents to indicate human health and environmental concerns with livestock production. “There are several ways humans could reduce use of livestock products,” White explains. The most extreme situation is elimination of livestock products entirely, which is the scenario that is most studied in the literature and is also the scenario she looked at in her research. “Although we might not think of it, existing literature on carbon and water footprints implicitly has this assumption of substitution,” White says. “If we remove the carbon footprint associated with beef, it will no longer be there, and they follow this idea of entire removal of products from the production system.” Model-based evidence Comparing different food products, White notes a paper from last year summarized carbon and water footprint.

Across all categories, cereal grains have the lowest environmental impact and ruminant meat has the highest environmental impact per unit of product under the categories of greenhouse gas emissions, land use, energy use, acidification potential and eutrophication potential. Fresh produce, eggs, dairy, poultry, pork and aquaculture fall somewhere in the middle. “Carbon footprints of individual food products are not really representative of the way we consume foods,” she adds. “We wouldn’t consume a diet of only corn because it doesn’t meet our dietary requirements. We should be looking at diets, rather than individual foods.” Diets Considering entire diets makes the picture more complex. “The diets low in animal products have a reduced environmental impact, but they’re high in sugar and tend to be low in essential micronutrients,” White summarizes. “Although there may be benefits from the environmental side, when we look at a more comprehensive picture, there are concerns from the human health side, which raises the question of whether the statements in policy documents are fair, given the current body of knowledge.” Further, the study doesn’t consider the feasibility of scaling low-environmentalimpact diets to a national or international level, says White. “We can all identify at least one or two crops that

don’t work where we live,” she comments. “When they think about these diets, they assume agriculture would just adapt to whatever these diets demand, but we know that isn’t feasible.” White says rather than asking what the ideal diet is, rather, the question should be geared toward how to feed people with what is produced in the U.S. currently. Research White’s research quantified the impact of animal agriculture to U.S. society by testing the scenario of removing livestock entirely. “We take data from USDA Agriculture Research Service and Economic Research Service about the yield and the weight of the used land in the country and aggregate the data about nutrients to estimate nutrients supplied from the land,” she says. The data is matched to U.S. census data and nutrient requirements for various age and gender-based populations to get what the actual nutrient requirement would be for the U.S. population. Finally, a nutrient balance is created to determine how the U.S. does at producing enough food for the U.S. without animal production. Results After scrutinizing the data, the research team produced a paper, which is available online at no charge. “In a system without animals, we do have an increased total weight of food available, but if we compare what that food actually is, the vast majority of our food available in the system without animals

is grains and legumes available,” White says. She continues, “The remaining portions of fruits, vegetables, sugars, etc. remain fairly stable. The net change is an increase in the things we feed livestock – grains and legumes.” Healthfulness However, the food produced is not reflective of the healthfulness of the diet, so they further analyzed the available nutrition from the system. “We have a tremendous availability of nutrients in our system without animals,” White says. “But, that is not the case for our nutrients.” In a system with animals, increased availability of calcium, vitamin A, vitamin D, B12, DHA, EPA, arachidonic acid and alphalinoleic acid. “Are those the nutrients that are already large on that graph? No. They tend to be

many of the nutrients in the smallest supply in our food production system,” White says. “These are nutrients we think of as being mostlimiting nutrients for the U.S. population.” As a result, decreasing their availability as a result of eliminating livestock may not be the best option. Environment and economics “We didn’t want to just discuss nutrient availability,” White continues. “We also wanted to look at additional considerations, like environmental and economic contributions.” In analyzing economic contributions for things like exports and jobs, White says livestock directly contribute 1.4 million jobs and $32 billion in export income. “Those are pretty strong numbers favoring the contributions to society,” she says. White’s team also looked at environmental

contributions in terms of environmental footprint, noting that livestock provide 49 percent of agriculture’s carbon footprint. “If we remove livestock, we don’t dramatically get a 49 percent improvement in the carbon footprint,” she emphasizes. “We only get a 28 percent improvement in agricultural footprint.” Further, the 28 percent reduction is only in the agriculture industry and doesn’t reflect the U.S. carbon footprint, which is only reduced by 2.6 percent White comments, “Most people would say 2.6 percent is probably not a tremendous payout.” Look for more information on White’s study in the March 24 edition of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Saige Albert is managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup can be reached at saige@wylr.net.

Assumptions “The challenge with assimilating a system without animals is, we don’t have one,” Virginia Tech University’s Robin White emphasizes. “If we look across developed and developing countries, there is no system that excludes animals altogether. We don’t have a model for the system without animals.” As a result, White’s team was forced to make assumptions about production in their research about systems without livestock. First, they assumed all crop-able hay land, pasture land and silage land would be converted to producing human food. She explains, “We also assume the way people select food products for the land would be in proportion to how land was used. For example, if apples currently

use five percent of our agricultural land, apples would be given five percent of the new land.” Next, they assumed grains and human edible by-products currently fed to livestock would be repurposed for human consumption. Soybean meal was characterized as human edible by-product. “Our third assumption was fertilizer produced by livestock would no longer be available, so we need to produce that on a nutrient basis using commercially produced fertilizer,” she says. Finally, the excess food processing byproducts currently consumed by livestock would need to be eliminated somehow, and the products were elected to be combusted, creating a slight carbon cost.

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2018 Midland Bull Test Edition

Page 20

Early supplementation of beef bulls leads to larger testes, breeding potential

The challenges of the beef industry extend into a wide array of issues, but John Kastelic, a veterinarian at the University of Calgary explains cattle production has changed in the last several decades, which means production must change slightly. “There are a lot of challenges in the beef industry,” Kastelic said. “We better be willing to move ahead and do things somewhat differently to meet those challenges.” A look back Historically, Kastelic mentions that beef cows calved in May, and their sons were sold at two years of age. “That has radically changed today. We’ve got cows calving earlier and earlier in the year,” he says. Additionally, many bulls are sold as yearlings, and as production sales are scheduled earlier, buyers select their seedstock earlier in the year. “Once people buy bulls, they stop going to bull sales, so seedstock producers have to be ready to sell earlier,” he continues. “It becomes a real challenge to get bulls to pass a breeding soundness exam early in the year so they are able to get into those early sales.” Bull requirements Kastelic explains bulls are expected to do several things during their lives. “A bulls has to identify cows in estrus, be able to mount those cows, successfully breed cows and deliver a large number of normal, fertile sperm,” he says. “If any of these are deficient, he will not be a functional breeder.” For example, if a bull has top-quality sperm motility, if he has a sore back and is unable to mount cows, pregnancy rates will be very low.

Physical elements One of the important considerations for bulls is related to scrotal circumference. “In general, larger testes produce more and better sperm, up to a scrotal circumference of about 35 to 37 centimeters,” Kastelic says. “We want to feed the bulls to reach genetic potential for testes size.” As a result, several studies have been conducted to demonstrate the impact of feeding on early bull development. “When we talk about developing testes, we need to talk about early versus later feeding and what we should and should not do,” Kastelic comments. “We want our bulls to be functional breeders for many, many years, so developing them is important.” Research Kastelic says numerous studies have been conducted on the effects of feeding dairy bulls, and most of it was done after weaning, with limited work done in the early stages of bull development, so Kastelic’s team did a number of experiments to fill the void. “In this experiment, we fed three groups of bulls from 10 weeks to 70 weeks,” he explains. “These were beef bulls that were weaned early. We had one group who was fed a medium diet, which was our control group.” The three experimental groups were low and high nutrition diets. Group one was fed low nutrition from 10 weeks to 26 weeks, and after that, half went on to a high nutrition diet and half went to medium nutrition. The third group was fed a low nutrition diet and, after 26 weeks, went to a medium-nutrition diet.

The medium nutrition diet met 100 percent of requirements for both energy and protein, while the high nutrition diet met 130 percent of energy and protein needs. The low nutrition diet was only 70 percent of energy and protein requirements. “All bulls received all the minerals and vitamins they needed,” Kastelic adds. Results “Early on, we had a diversion in terms of scrotal circumference,” Kastelic says. “The bulls on low nutrition had testes that grew at a slower pace than were the bulls fed medium and high nutrition.” He continues, “The bulls that were initially fed on lower nutrition had a permanently lower scrotal circumference. Even the bulls that were put on high nutrition after 26 weeks, they never caught up to the other bulls.” Those bulls on a low plane of nutrition to 26 weeks, then fed a medium

nutrition diet had the smallest testes throughout the study. “The bulls that were restricted early on had testes that were roughly 20 percent smaller,” Kastelic says. Follow-up After the conclusion of the first study, a second study was conducted looking at one group of bulls fed a medium nutrition diet throughout the entirety of their lifespan, from 10 weeks through 74 weeks. “We had a second group, which we supplemented early on. They were fed a high nutrition diet from 10 weeks until 30 weeks, and then we had a medium nutrition after that,” Kastelic explains. Again, in the second study, even though bulls were only supplemented to 30 weeks, high-nutrition bulls had larger testes across the board. “At slaughter, the supplemented, high nutrition bulls had testes about 20 percent larger, and perhaps more

importantly, they had roughly 30 percent more daily sperm production,” he explains. “By feeding bulls better early, we created bulls with larger testes that produced more sperm,” Kastelic summarized. “These effects remained, even though we went back to common nutrition after 30 weeks.” Additionally, Kastelic noted that supplemented diets after 30 weeks had a limited

effect on reproductive development, including a limited ability to overcome earlier deficits. “We need to feed our bulls really well prior to 30 weeks at the time when we can most influence them,” he says. Saige Albert is managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to saige@wylr.net.

Developing bulls – Research shows that bulls fed well in their first months develop larger testes and are more fertile than bulls on restricted diets during calfhood. Saige Albert photo

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