2023 Midland Bull Test Edition

April 6-7, 2023

Columbus, Montana

2023 MIDLAND BULL TEST

Midland Bull Test is the granddaddy of performance testing

Columbus, Mont. – The Midland Bull Test was started in 1962 by Leo McDonnell, Sr. with a small group of purebred breeders. This year, the program tested roughly 800-plus bulls from over 110 consignors representing 24 states. Each year, the test develops more than 2,000 bulls.

The bulls are consigned in the fall to a 112-day performance test, and the top 80 percent are sold in the Final Sort Sale.

The test is home to the largest feed efficiency testing program in North America. The Williams and McDonnell families say producers come back year after year because they trust the test results.

“Midland Bull Test has consistently topped sales across the U.S. and is proud of its elite list of graduates,” they note on their webpage. “We boast a large number of repeat sale buyers who assert their loyalty to proven

results year after year. We are a family operation dedicated to the improvement of the beef cattle industry as we identify superior performing individuals and bloodlines within breeds.”

History

The concept of Midland Bull Test was to weigh and measure cattle and publish results for birth and weaning weights, dam’s production and yearling weights. Although, it wasn’t met favorably by most of the purebred industry at first, it went on to become a trusted testing program and seedstock source for cattle producers.

At the time, the ranching industry dominated much of the West, and cattlemen made their living from open rangeland and pastures. The primary reason for beef cattle was to convert forages from these rangelands into marketable beef for consumers. Additionally, there was not a way to truly identify

efficient cattle.

McDonnell, Sr. and the Montana Beef Performance Group developed the Midland Bull Test based on sharing information and identifying animals with improved performance.

Throughout the 1960s70s, Midland Bull Test continued to define, refine and promote performance as a primary tool to manage the profitability of a cow herd.

Midland today

The McDonnell and Williams families mention Midland Bull Test continues to place an emphasis on balanced performance. The test observes and records average daily gain, weight per day of age, feed efficiency and breeding soundness, along with conducting ultrasounds.

“Such a special bull comes out of Midland Bull Test because of all of the selection pressure,” shares Leo McDonnell, Jr. in an AngusTV YouTube video,

celebrating 50 years of performance testing. “There is nowhere else in the world where producers can find bulls through such a strict criteria process.”

Efficiency

Midland Bull Test utilizes the GrowSafe System to measure feed efficiency of each individual bull. Electronic identification tags are able to track consumption to determine pounds of gain compared to pounds of intake.

Feed efficiency is a highly heritable trait, and producers can make rapid improvement in the efficiency of their herds by using highly-efficient bulls identified through the Midland Bull Test program.

“The Midland Bull Test Efficiency Test is a 49-day test, done within the 120day performance testing period for bulls,” the Williams and McDonnell families say. “All bulls on test at Midland Bull Test are

MIDLAND BULL TEST

JOIN US FOR THE FINAL SORT BULL SALE APRIL 6 & 7, 2023

110 CONSIGNORS • 800+ BULLS • 24 STATES

We develop more than 2,000 bulls annually

MIDLAND BULL TEST offers commercial cattlemen and seedstock producers a unique opportunity to select top end bulls from around the country. Our test criteria is formulated with the success of the commercial cattleman at the forefront. We gather individual results and provide more proven information than anyone in the business. The Final Sort sale is your opportunity to select from one of the best bull lineups, you don’t want to miss this sale!

FIND INFO AT: www MidlandBullTest com

We are America’s largest source of EFFICIENCY TESTED bulls.

April 6

STEVE & AMY WILLIAMS

5 Bull Drive, Columbus, MT 59019

Cell: (406) 321-7046 • Office: (406) 322-5597

E-mail: bulls@midlandbulltest.com Text or e-mail for a catalog!

efficiency tested.”

GrowSafe data is used to determine the Residual Feed Intake (RFI) – correlating pounds of gain to pounds of intake to determine the cost of gain.

The McDonnell and Williams families say efficiency is one of the top ways for ranchers to maximize profits.

“Ranchers have the potential to maintain the same production by reducing input costs,” notes McConnell, Jr. “A lot of times it doesn’t work this way. Many times, one has to lower their production in order to lower their input costs.”

He adds, “There’s tremendous opportunity in identifying these kind of efficiencies.”

Sale day

This year, Midland Bull Test has nearly 850 top-end bulls featured in the Final Sort Sale held in Columbus, Mont. on April 6-7, beginning at 11 a.m. both days.

Salers, Simmental, Gelbvieh, Charolais, South Devon, Hereford, Red Angus, Chiangus and LimFlex bulls will be sold on April 6. Angus bulls will sell on April 7.

Performance award presentations will be held prior to the sale of each breed. The sale order is determined by the Midland Bull Test Index and estimated sale value, and sale order will be posted online and available sale day.

Each animal will be sold to the highest bidder with the auctioneer settling any differences. Cattle will sell

according to health regulations of the state of Montana. A transferred certificate of registry will be furnished to the buyer for each animal after settlement has been made.

Bulls sold into states requiring trichomoniasis testing will be tested after the sale, and trucking arrangements will be made in short order.

Cattle will be delivered to central locations, such as stockyards, in the lower 48 states. More information on delivery is available in the Midland Bull Test Final Sort Sale catalog.

The sale will be broadcasted live via CCI Live at cci.live. Buyers may bid online or use telephone bid lines at 406-322-9911 or 406-322-9044. All buyers must register prior to the sale, and new buyers must provide bank references.

Joe Goggins and Greg Goggins will serve as auctioneers for the sale. Breed field representatives and livestock publication representatives will also be available.

A sale catalog is available at midlandbulltest.com On sale day, other information will be available online or by calling 406-322-5597, 406-322-9911 or 406-3229044.

Brittany Gunn is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Information in this article was compiled from the Midland Bull Test reports, catalog and website. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

Index to results

Each year, Midland Bull Test releases a list of the highest achieving bulls for both average daily gain and weight per day of age by breed. The top five in each category for each breed is listed in the following pages of this edition.

Angus Pages 3-6

Red Angus Page 6-7

South Devon Page 7-8

Salers Page 8

LimFlex Page 8

Charolais Pages 9

Simmentals Page 9

Gelbvieh Page 10

Hereford Page 10

Chiangus Page 10-11

Pages 11-20 in this edition include a variety of information on bull and cattle management topics related to breeding, feeding and more. Enjoy!

Cover photo by Chelsee Camblin

Chelsee Camblin photo

ADG – Average Daily Gain

BW – Actual Birth Weight: Expressed in pounds, is a predictor of a sire’s ability to transmit birth weight to his progeny compared to when he is bred to first-calf heifers.

EPD – Expected Progeny Difference: The prediction of how future progeny of each animal are expected to perform relative to the progeny of other animals listed in the database.

M – MILK: A predictor of a sire’s genetic merit for milk and mothering ability as expressed in his daughters compared to daughters of other sires. In other words, it’s a part of a calf’s weaning weight attributed to milk and mothering ability.

Eff – Efficiency: Optimizes balance between performance and efficiency. It

Dear Friends,

ABBREVIATIONS

measures how efficiently the caloric content of feed is converted to pounds.

MBT – Midland Bull Test Index: Combined ADG, nursing ratio, yearling and efficiency ratios.

RFI – Residual Feed Intake: Actual feed intake minus expected feed intake. RFI is given here in the test data, complete efficiency test results are available at midlandbulltest.com

WDA – Actual Weight Per Day of Age

WW – Weaning Weight EPD: Expressed in pounds, is a predictor of a sire’s ability to transmit weaning growth to his progeny compared to other sires.

YW – Yearling Weight EPD: Expressed in pounds, is a predictor of a sire’s ability to transmit yearling growth to his progeny compared to other sires.

A welcome from the Williams family

We graciously invite you to the 61st edition of Midland Bull Test. A strong, powerful set of bulls is available for your selection. We look forward to your personal evaluation and attendance at the sale, April 6-7 at the historic Midland Bull Test sale facility in Columbus, Mont.

The drought, flooding and long, cold winter have given us a wild ride the last few years. Those with the resilience, drive and determination to endure through these challenging times are finally being rewarded with drastically improved market conditions. Feeder calves, bred heifers, fat cattle and even the cull cattle markets are at strong levels – the best we have seen in a few years.

While we have weathered many trends in the cattle industry, one thing remains the same – cattle that check the boxes across the board for structure, performance, maternal strength, fertility and carcass will add consistency and value to reach herd objectives in any breeding program.

At Midland Bull Test, we do the sorting for you. Bulls exhibiting this strong balance across the board rise to the top and are offered in one sale from across all of America.

At Midland, you don’t have to rely solely on expected progeny differences (EPDs) or indexes to make the choices for you. They are validated with actual performance and coupled with data on the dams and grand dams to give you complete transparency.

We are proud to be a trusted gathering area for progressive-minded breeders nationwide, and this is not a task wetake lightly. We do everything possible, from

Angus bulls perform well during the 2023 Midland Bull Test

The Midland Bull Test welcomed two competitive groups of Angus bulls to Columbus, Mont. this year, where they were split into two groups and two classes.

The final report showed a breed average for Angus Group 1 Class 1 of 4.60 for average daily gain (ADG) and 3.59 for weight per day of age (WDA). In Group 1 Class 2, the final report showed an average ADG of 4.67 and an average WDA of 3.78.

In Group 2 Class 1, the final report showed an average ADG of 4.13 and an average WDA of 3.56. In Group 2 Class 2, the final report showed an average ADG of 4.40 and an average WDA of 3.87.

and consigned by Johnson Brothers Angus of Egeland, N.D. He has a WDA of 3.39 and EPDs of BW 0.9, WW 70, YW 135, M 18, RFI -0.4, Eff 101 and MBT 112.

Lot 78 placed third with an ADG of 4.63. He was sired by DB Iconic G95 and has a WDA of 3.38, as well as EPDs of BW -0.7, WW 84, YW 152, M 34, RFI 2.98, Eff 97 and MBT 109. He was consigned by Jocko Valley Cattle, LLC of Missoula, Mont.

bull, consigned by Byergo Beef Genetics, LLC, of Dearborn, Mo., has EPDs of BW 1.4, WW 99, YW 174, M 25, RFI 3.26, Eff 103, MBT 119 and WDA 3.78.

Lot 24 placed second with an ADG of 4.77. Sired by Baldridge Versatile and consigned by Les Craft Angus of Columbus, Mont., his EPDs are BW 3.1, WW 95, YW 160, M 13, RFI 1.39, Eff 103, MBT 113 and WDA 3.53.

feeding intelligently to providing top notch care and treatment, all to enable these bulls to perform to their true potential. We take pride in growing athletic breeding bulls with proven proficiency to go out and work for the operations that procure them.

Efficiency is talked about all the time, yet rarely is it measured and offered with a truly comparable, profitable value. Efficiency is not something you can see, and without measuring, one is only assuming.

With feed being the number one input cost of any cattle operation, it is not a trait that can be overlooked. Low dry matter intake without gain is not going to work in the commercial feedlot. So, how do we use efficiency to make gain? This is why, at Midland, we utilize the Efficiency Index to easily identify bulls that do well in both areas – efficiency and gain.

For example, feed conversion ratio (FCR) is an important trait to keep in mind, but it is not a true measure of efficiency, and it is not comparable unless it is accompanied by additional detailed data. As pioneers in efficiency, we make it a priority to highlight the most beneficial value.

Only the top-quality bulls from across the country have been consigned to Midland to compete in one place. We welcome you to come and see the top quality “Final Sort” bulls anytime.

If you are unable to make it out, videos and a live auction will be available online at cci.live again this year. If we can assist in any way, let us know!

Thank you, Steve

and Amy Williams Midland Bull Test

MBT honors junior consignor

The highest MBT indexing bull from any breed, consigned by a junior consignor is awarded the Junior Consignor Award. A junior is defined as a consignor, age 21 and under as of Jan. 1. The bull must be registered in the junior consignor’s name in the Midland Bull Test program.

Wiley Fanta’s bull, lot 828, with an

MBT of 121, earned the Junior Consignor High Indexing Bull Award. Lot 828, Royal Klondike RBG 206K, was sired by VL Hunker Down 003H. He is a polled, black South Devon bull. He has an ADG of 4.17, a WDA of 3.55 and EPDs of BW 1.4, WW 79, YW 119, M 18, RFI -2.23 and Eff 115.

The Angus bulls sell on April 7 as lots 1 through 550.

Group 1 Class 1 ADG

The highest-ranking bull in the Group 1 Class 1 for ADG was lot 40, with an ADG of 4.82. Consigned by Steve Smith Angus of Lehi, Utah, the bull was sired by Coleman Renown 8394 and has EPDs of BW 1.2, WW 69, YW 119, M 32, RFI 1.9, Eff 112 and MBT 118. His WDA is 3.60.

Next, with an ADG of 4.77, was lot 137. This bull was sired by E&B Plus One

Lot 159 placed fourth with an ADG of 4.54. He was sired by Deer Valley Growth Fund and consigned by Ramsey Angus of Frankfort, Ind. This bull has EPDs of BW 1.1, WW 91, YW 160, M 25, RFI -3.44, Eff 120, MBT 115 and WDA 3.55.

Rounding out Group 1 Class 1 ADG bulls was lot 205, a son of E&B Wildcat 9402 with an ADG of 4.22. His EPDs are BW 0.4, WW 74, YW 131, M 32, RFI -0.22, Eff 104, MBT 108 and WDA 3.58. He was consigned by Eagle Grip Cattle Company of Denair, Calf.

Group 1 Class 2 ADG

Group 1 Class 2 ADG was led by lot 185, a son of Roseda Powerball23 F091, with an ADG of 5.09. This

Tying for third and fourth place were lots 32 and 171 with an ADG of 4.54.

Lot 32 from Winding River Angus of Billings, Mont. was sired by SS Niagara Z29. His EPDs are BW 3.0, WW 90, YW 170, M 42, RFI 2.62, Eff 97, MBT 113 and WDA 3.63.

Lot 171 was sired by RAR Revolution 8148 and consigned by R Value Farms of Rosebush, Mich. His EPDs are BW -0.9, WW 93, YW 162, M 31, RFI 1.23, Eff 107, MBT 109 and WDA 3.19.

Tying for fifth place were lots 48 and 158 with an ADG of 4.50.

Lot 48 was sired by Hoover Know How and consigned by Hunt Creek

Continued on next page

Chelsee Camblin photo

Ranch of Bridger, Mont.

His EPDs are BW 1.9, WW 75, YW 146, M 26, RFI -0.97, Eff 113, MBT 113 and WDA 3.22.

Lot 158 was sired by Connealy Shamrock and consigned by Ramsey Angus. His EPDs are BW 2.0, WW 72, YW 124, M 26, RFI -0.51, Eff 113, MBT 112 and WDA 3.56.

Group 2 Class 1 (low birth) ADG

The highest-ranking bull in the Angus Group 2 Class 1 (low birth) for ADG was lot 428, with an ADG of 4.31. Consigned by Sandman Cattle, Inc. of Maple Park, Ill., the bull was sired by 2XL Bronc 8153 and has EPDs of BW 0.4, WW 86, YW 141, M 32, RFI 0.60, Eff 104, MBT 117 and WDA 3.37.

Second place was awarded to lot 466 with an ADG of 4.17 and was sired by Sitz Resilient 10208. His EPDs are BW 0.9, WW 84, YW 142, M 31, RFI 3.57, Eff 94, MBT 112 and WDA 3.25. The bull was consigned by Deppe Angus of Waverly, Iowa.

In third place was lot 452 with an ADG of 4.08. He was sired by Sitz Resilient 10208 and consigned by Black Pine Farm of Heron, Mont. His EPDs are BW 0.9, WW 67, YW 120, M 27, RFI 1.87, Eff 100, MBT 110 and WDA 3.24.

Lots 461 and 301 tied for fourth place with an ADG of 4.04.

Lot 461, with an ADG of 4.04, was sired by CAR

Legendary 026 and consigned by VGA Livestock of Manhattan, Mont. His EPDs are BW 0.4, WW 71, YW 128, M 21, RFI -0.35, Eff 109, MBT 112 and WDA 3.11.

Lot 301, also with an ADG of 4.04, was consigned by Fuller Cattle, LLC of Parma, Idaho. The son of Tehama Tahoe B767, this bull has EPDs of BW

1.0, WW 76, YW 125, M 30, RFI -0.18, Eff 104, MBT 109 and WDA 2.79.

Group 2 Class 2 ADG

In first place was lot 273, sired by GAR Ashland and consigned by Thornhill Ranch of Zortman, Mont. He has EPDs of BW 1.3, WW 83, YW 143, M 33, RFI 0.99, Eff 107, MBT 119 and WDA 3.42.

In second place was lot 544 with an ADG of 4.45. He is the son of TT Resource F12 and has EPDs of BW 4.6, WW 83, YW 149, M 24, RFI 0.11, Eff 111, MBT 116 and WDA 3.43. He was consigned by Double T Angus of Jerome, Idaho.

In third was lot 422 with an ADG of 4.36. He is the son of Connealy Clarity and was consigned by R. Angus Cattle Ranch of Yakima,

Wash. His EPDs are BW 4.3, WW 86, YW 161, M 27, RFI -1.17, Eff 109, MBT 108 and WDA 2.95.

In fourth place, with an ADG of 4.31 was lot 486. He is a son of Sterling Pacific 904 and was consigned by Willow Creek Angus of Spangle, Wash. His EPDs are BW 1.3, WW 69, YW 123, M 22, RFI 1.08, Eff 103, MBT 111 and WDA 3.38.

Rounding out Group 2 Class 2 ADG bulls was lot 464 with an ADG of 4.27, a son of WMR Timeless 0255, with EPDs of BW

2.9, WW 61, YW 105, M 25, RFI 2.09, Eff 104, MBT 113 and WDA 3.35. He was consigned by VGA Livestock.

Group 1 Class 1 (low birth) WDA

The highest-ranking bull in the Group 1 Class 1 (low birth) WDA was lot 169, with a WDA of 3.71. Consigned by R Value Farms, this bull was sired by RAR Revolution 8148 and has EPDs of BW 1.0, WW 95, YW 166, M 26, RFI -0.60, Eff 99, MBT 105 and ADG 3.58.

Second place was awarded to lot 40 with a WDA of 3.60 and was sired by Coleman Renown 8394. His EPDs are BW 1.2, WW 69, YW 119, M 32, RFI 1.90, Eff 112, MBT 118 and ADG 4.82. The bull was consigned by Steve Smith Angus.

Big Time Performance Bulls!

In third was lot 205 with a WDA of 3.58. He was sired by E&B Wildcat 9402 and consigned by Eagle Grip Cattle Company. His EPDs are BW 0.4, WW 74, YW 131, M 32, RFI -0.22, Eff 104, MBT 108 and ADG 4.22.

Fourth place went to lot 159 with a WDA of 3.55. This bull was sired by Deer Valley Growth Fund and consigned by Ramsey Angus. His EPDs are BW 1.1, WW 91, YW 160, M 25, RFI -3.44, Eff 120, MBT 115 and ADG 4.54.

Rounding out the fifthplace spot was lot 153 with a WDA of 3.53, consigned by KB Angus of Merritt, Mich. The son of Grabers Mr Angus 9080, this bull has EPDs of BW 1.2, WW 84, YW 147, M 23, RFI 0.20, Eff 97, MBT 105 and ADG 3.58.

Group 1 Class 2 WDA

The WDA race in the Group 1 Class 2 Angus was led by lot 54, with a WDA of 3.82. He posted an ADG of 4.31 and has EPDs of BW 1.7, WW 101, YW 170, M 33, RFI 0.77, Eff 107 and MBT 116. He is a son of Deer Valley Growth Fund and was consigned by Deppe Angus.

Next was lot 218 with a WDA of 3.81. Consigned by Byergo Beef Genetics, LLC, this bull is sired by Baldridge SR Goalkeeper and has EPDs of BW 3.9, WW 90, YW 178, M 28,

RFI 3.13, Eff 96, MBT 109 and ADG 3.90.

Placing third was lot 200 with a WDA of 3.79, consigned by Eagle Grip Cattle Company and sired by E G Eyes Onyou. He has EPDs of BW 1.8, WW 78, YW 135, M 22, RFI -0.15, Eff 111, MBT 113 and ADG 4.40.

A WDA of 3.78 put lot 185 in fourth place. He was consigned by Byergo Beef Genetics, LLC and sired by Roseda Powerball23 F091. His EPDs are BW 1.4, WW 99, YW 174, M 25, RFI 3.26, Eff 103, MBT 119 and ADG 5.09.

Lastly, lot 203 has a WDA of 3.72. With an ADG of 4.22, he also has EPDs of BW 3.0, WW 77, YW 132, M 28, RFI 0.33, Eff 103 and MBT 108. He is a son of Hoover No Doubt and was consigned by Eagle Grip Cattle Company.

Group 2 Class 1 (low birth) WDA

First place went to lot 527, with a WDA of 3.63. He is a son of CCC Bronc 0285 and was consigned by Pristine Springs Angus of Jerome, Idaho. His EPDs are BW 1.0, WW 65, YW 116, M 26, RFI 0.33, Eff 96, MBT 107 and ADG 3.39.

In second place was lot 469 with a WDA of 3.58 and EPDs of BW 0.0, WW 77, YW 129, M 22, RFI 4.98, Eff 88, MBT 109 and ADG 3.67. He is a son of

Baldridge Versatile and was consigned by Deppe Angus.

In third place was lot 401 with a WDA of 3.56. He is the son of SAV Rainfall 6846 with EPDs of BW 0.9, WW 68, YW 123, M 31, RFI 2.40, Eff 91, MBT 110 and ADG 3.58. He was consigned by Moore Angus of Artesian, S.D.

In fourth place was lot 332 with a WDA of 3.54. He has EPDs of BW -1.1, WW 85, YW 152, M 41, RFI 1.19, Eff 97, MBT 109 and ADG 3.44. He was consigned by Reddin Angus of Darby, Mont. and is the son of Deer Valley Growth Fund.

Rounding out Group 2 Class 1 WDA was lot 250, a son of Sterling Pacific 904, consigned by Granger Angus of Great Falls, Mont. His WDA is 3.49, and he has EPDs of BW 0.8, WW 66, YW 119, M 25, RFI -1.39, Eff 112, MBT 107 and ADG 3.17.

Group 2 Class 2 WDA

First place went to lot 404, with a WDA of 4.14. He is a son of Hart No Doubt 9517 and consigned by Moore Angus. His EPDs are BW 4.2, WW 94, YW 157, M 30, RFI -1.06, Eff 109, MBT 120 and ADG 4.08.

In second place was lot 405 with a WDA of 3.87 and EPDs of BW 1.4, WW 89, YW 148, M 41, RFI -1.87, Eff 104, MBT 112

Continued on next page

and ADG 3.49. He is a son of Hart No Doubt 9517 and was consigned by Moore Angus.

In third place was lot 259 with a WDA of 3.85. He is the son of Bar R Jet Black 5063, with EPDs of BW 2.2, WW 92, YW 165, M 30, RFI -1.61, Eff 107, MBT 115 and ADG 3.85. He was consigned by Granger Angus.

In fourth place was lot 364 with a WDA of 3.79. He has EPDs of BW 4.0, WW 96, YW 166, M 29, RFI -0.24, Eff 104, MBT 110 and ADG 3.39. He was consigned by Gragg Farms of Boone, N.C. and is the son of SITZ Verdict 744H.

Rounding out Group 2 Class 2 WDA was lot 272, a son of Baldridge Versatile. He was consigned by Stevenson’s Diamond Dot Cattle Company of Hobson, Mont. His WDA is 3.69, and he has EPDs of BW 1.1, WW 87, YW 152, M 28, RFI 2.09, Eff 87, MBT 103 and ADG 3.67.

Group 1 Class 1 (low birth) Efficiency

Topping the Angus Group 1 Class 1 (low birth) Eff Category was lot 159 with an Eff of 120, a son of Deer Valley Growth Fund with a WDA of 3.55 and ADG of 4.54. His EPDs are BW 1.1, WW 91, YW 160, M 25, RFI -3.44 and MBT 115. He was consigned by Ramsey Angus.

In second place was lot

34 with an Eff of 117. A son of Deer Valley Growth Fund with a WDA of 3.22 and ADG of 3.58, he has EPDs of BW -0.2, WW 70, YW 125, M 33, RFI -4.72 and MBT 107. He was consigned by 7S Ranch of McCook, Neb.

In third place was lot 101 with an Eff of 115. A son of Mill Brae Identified 4031 with a WDA of 2.98 and ADG of 3.26, he has EPDs of BW 0.9, WW 82, YW 141, M 23, RFI -1.59 and MBT of 104. He was consigned by Marda Angus Farms, LLC of Lodi, Wis.

Group 1 Class 2 Efficiency

Topping the Angus Group 1 Class 2 Eff category was lot 135 with an Eff of 126, a son of Connealy Clarity with a WDA of 3.27 and an ADG of 4.27. His EPDs are BW 0.4, WW 69, YW 122, M 32, RFI -3.59 and MBT 113. He was consigned by Strasburg Angus of Marshall, Wis.

In second place was lot 230 with an Eff of 122. A son of SMC Weighmaker 0095, with a WDA of 3.54 and an ADG of 3.81, he has EPDs of BW 0.9, WW 73, YW 129, M 31, RFI -3.79 and MBT 109. He was consigned by Riverside Ranch Utah, LLC of Fielding, Utah.

In third place was lot 107 with an Eff of 118. A son of Ellingson Three Rivers 8062, with a WDA of 3.15 and an ADG of

3.90, he has EPDs of BW 3.3, WW 79, YW 131, M 28, RFI -2.91 and MBT 110. He was consigned by Marda Angus Farms, LLC.

In fourth place was lot 168 with an Eff of 116. A son of Hoover No Doubt with a WDA of 3.69 and an ADG of 3.67, he has EPDs of BW 1.3, WW 76, YW 134, M 27, RFI -1.90 and MBT 108. He was consigned by R Value Farms.

Lots 48, 152 and 158 tied for fifth place with an Eff of 113.

Lot 48, was consigned by Hunt Creek Ranch of Bridger, Mont. He is a son of Hoover Know How, and has a WDA of 3.22 an ADG of 4.50, and EPDs of BW 1.9, WW 75, YW 146, M 26, RFI -0.97 and MBT 113.

Lot 152, consigned by KB Angus, with a WDA of 3.49 and ADG of 3.21, has EPDS of BW 3.30, WW 94, YW 155, M 23, RFI -3.48 and MBT 104. He is a son of Myers Fair-N-Square M39.

Lot 158, a son of Connealy Shamrock has EPDs of BW 2.0, WW 72, YW 124, M 26, RFI -0.51 and MBT 112. He has a WDA of 3.56 and ADG of 4.51. He was consigned by Ramsey Angus. Group 2 Class 1 low birth) Efficiency

The Group 2 Class 1 (low birth) Eff category was topped by lot 277, a consignment from Thornhill Ranch with an Eff of

124. This bull was sired by Shipwheel Essential 9536 and had a WDA of 3.37 and an ADG of 3.35. He has EPDs of BW 1.3, WW 74, YW 128, M 38, RFI -3.84 and MBT 112.

An Eff of 112 earned lots 476, 250 and 345 a three-way tie for second place.

Lot 476 was consigned by Burkholder and Unruh of Warden, Wash. and sired by GAR Inertia. He has a WDA of 3.29 and an ADG of 3.39. He has EPDs of BW 0.4, WW 66, YW 117, M 35, RFI -3.06 and MBT 109.

Lot 250 was consigned by Granger Angus and sired by Sterling Pacific 904. He has a WDA of 3.49 and an ADG of 3.17. He has EPDs of BW 0.8, WW 66, YW 119, M 25, RFI -1.39 and MBT 107.

Lot 345 was consigned by Alpine Angus of Roscoe, Mont. and sired by Sitz Resilient 10208. He has a WDA of 3.22 and an ADG of 3.03. He has EPDs of BW -0.1, WW 68, YW 118, M 26, RFI -2.27 and MBT 104.

Group 2 Class 2 Efficiency

The Group 2 Class 2 Eff category was topped by lot 357, a consignment from Bartels Angus of Riverton, Neb. with an Eff of 118. This bull was sired by Connealy Big Valley and has a WDA of 3.42 and an ADG of 3.94. He

has EPDs of BW 1.7, WW 81, YW 141, M 23, RFI -0.60 and MBT 110.

Second place went to lot 369 with an Eff of 117. He was consigned by Gragg Farms and sired by SITZ Verdict 744H. He has a WDA of 3.37 and an ADG of 3.53. He has EPDs of BW 3.6, WW 83, YW 134, M 17, RFI -2.58 and MBT 108.

An Eff of 114 earned lots 395, 253 and 394 a three-way tie for third place.

Lot 395 was consigned by 2Ten Cattle Company of Vining, Minn. He was sired by HPCA Veracious. He has a WDA of 3.27 and an ADG of 3.58. He has EPDs of BW 1.9, WW 86, YW 165, M 37, RFI -1.17 and MBT 108.

Lot 253 was consigned by Granger Angus. He was sired by Sterling Pacific 904. He has a WDA of 3.44 and an ADG of 3.30. He has EPDs of BW 4.4, WW 87, YW 149, M 31, RFI -2.38 and MBT 107.

Lot 394 was consigned by 2Ten Cattle Company and was sired by HPCA Veracious. He has a WDA of 3.08 and an ADG of 3.17. He has EPDs of BW 2.0, WW 88, YW 156, M 31, RFI -3.09 and MBT 103.

Group 1 Champion Pen of Three – MBT Index

In the Group 1 Top Indexing Pen of Three

MBT Index, Byergo Beef Genetics, LLC consigned the first place Pen of Three with lots 185, 187 and 218, with an average MBT Index of 113.

Deppe Angus, Les Craft Angus and Marda Farms LLC tied for second place with an average MBT Index of 111.

Deppe Angus consigned lots 54, 52 and 51, with an average MBT Index of 111.

Les Craft Angus consigned lots 24, 20 and 18 and Marda Angus Farms, LLC with lots 108, 103 and 107, both with an average MBT Index of 111.

Group 2 Champion Pen of Three – MBT Index

In the Group 2 Top Indexing Pen of Three MBT Index, Moore Angus consigned the top Pen of Three bulls, lots 404, 405 and 401, with an average MBT of 114.

Granger Angus, with lots 259, 251 and 261 and Thornhill Ranch of Zortman, Mont., with lots 273, 277 and 276, tied for the second place Pen of Three, with an average MBT of 113.

VGA Livestock, with lots 464, 461 and 462, finished out third with an average MBT of 112.

Midland Bull Test Awards

Sale bulls in each breed qualify for MBT Performance Awards, based on performance, semen evalu-

Selling 5 Top Red Angus Bulls

Continued from previous page

ation and soundness. The following awards include Champion ADG Spring Bull, Champion WDA Spring Bull, Champion Sire Group (top three head from one sire – one herd based on MBT Index), World Champion Pen of Three (any three bulls with the same consigner based on the highest average MBT Index), High

Efficiency Spring Bull and Champion Low Birth ADG Bull in each group.

In Group 1, the Champion ADG bull went to Byergo Beef Genetics, LLC with lot 185. He posted an ADG of 5.09.

The Champion WDA bull went to Deppe Angus with lot 54. He posted a WDA of 3.82.

For Champion Sire Group, there was a tie between Les Craft Angus with lots 20, 21 and 24, sired by Baldridge Versatile and Marda Angus Farms, LLC with lots 107, 108 and 109, sired by Ellingson Three Rivers 8062 with an MBT of 110.

The Champion Low Birth ADG went to Steve Smith Angus with lot 40. He posted an ADG ratio of

137. The High Efficiency Bull went to Strasburg Angus with lot 135 with an Eff of 126, and the High Indexing Bull went to Byergo Beef Genetics, LLC’s lot 185 with an MBT of 119.

In Group 2, the Champion ADG bull went to Thornhill Ranch’s lot 273 with an ADG of 4.63, and the Champion WDA bull

went to Moore Angus’s lot 404 with a WDA of 4.14.

The Champion Sire Group went to Moore Angus with lots 403, 404 and 405, sired by Hart No Doubt 9517, with a MBT of 113.

The Champion Low Birth ADG bull went to Sandman Cattle Inc.’s lot 428 with an ADG ratio of 140.

The High Indexing Bull went to Moore Angus’ lot

404 with an MBT of 120, and the Pen of Three, over both groups went to Moore Angus’ lots 401, 404 and 405 with an MBT of 114.

Look for the Angus bulls on pages 20-79 in the Midland Bull Test Catalog or for complete results, visit midlandbulltest.com. The Angus bulls sell on April 7 at Midland Bull Test in Columbus, Mont.

Midland Bull Test reports top indexing Red Angus bulls red angus Leaders

Nelson Red Angus of Canton, Minn. finished as the Midland Bull Test Group 1 leader, while J Bar Stenberg Ranch of Denton, Mont., Six Iron Ranch of Shoshoni and Timberman Ranches, Inc. of Evansville finished as Group 2 leaders.

In Group 2 Red Angus, the top indexing bulls have a collective average daily gain (ADG) of 3.53 and an average weight per day of age (WDA) of 3.38.

The leaders in ADG, WDA, Efficiency (Eff) and Midland Bull Test (MBT) Index are listed below.

Group 1, ADG, WDA, Efficiency and MBT Index

In Group 1 Red Angus, lot 701 was the high-ranking bull. He was consigned by Nelson Red Angus and sired by Six Mile Fifth

Sense 43F. He has EPDs of BW -1.4, WW 68, YW 109, ADG 3.99, WDA 2.41, M 30, RFI -0.13, Eff 105 and MBT 101.

Group 2 ADG

Leading the pack in Group 2 ADG was lot 706, sired by Six Excellent Again G40, with an ADG of 3.94. He has EPDs of BW -2.1, WW 68, YW 117, M 20, RFI 4.10, Eff 90, MBT 106 and WDA 3.20. He was consigned by Six Iron Ranch.

In second was lot 710, sired by BFCK Cherokee CNYN 4912. He has an ADG of 3.53, a WDA of 3.01 and EPDs of BW

2.3, WW 78, YW 126, M 19, RFI -0.40, Eff 107 and MBT 106. He was consigned by Timberman Ranches, Inc.

Lots 716 and 715

were both consigned by J Bar Stenberg Ranch and placed third and fourth, respectively.

In third place was lot 716, sired by 5L The Real Deal 1603-393G. He has an ADG of 3.39, a WDA of 3.54 and EPDs of BW -2.3, WW 67, YW 114 M 26, RFI -0.62, Eff 106 and MBT 107.

In fourth place was lot 715. He was sired by McPhee Trophy 36 and has an ADG of 3.26, a WDA of 3.77 and EPDs of BW -2.0, WW 68, YW 114, M 31, RFI -1.19, Eff 110 and MBT 111. Group 2 WDA

In the Group 2 Red Angus bulls WDA category, lot 715 placed first with a WDA of 3.77. This bull is a son of McPhee Trophy 36 and has EPDs of

WRAF Horizon Regiment 281

BW -2.0, WW 68, YW 114, M 31, RFI -1.19, Eff 110, MBT 111 and ADG 3.26. He was consigned by J Bar Stenberg Ranch.

Also consigned by J Bar Stenberg Ranch was lot 716, which pulled into the second position with a WDA of 3.54. Sired by 5L The Real Deal 1603393G, this bull has an ADG of 3.39 and EPDs of BW -2.3, WW 67, YW 114 M 26, RFI -0.62, Eff 106 and MBT 107.

Next in line was lot 706 with a WDA of 3.20. Sired by Six Excellent Again G40, with an ADG of 3.94, this bull has EPDs of BW -2.1, WW 68, YW 117, M 20, RFI 4.10, Eff 90 and MBT 106. He was consigned by Six Iron Ranch.

Lot 710 closed out the group with a fourth place

WDA of 3.01. Consigned by Timberman Ranches, Inc. and sired by BFCK Cherokee CNYN 4912, this bull has an ADG of 3.53 and EPDs of BW 2.3, WW 78, YW 126, M 19, RFI -0.40, Eff 107 and MBT 106.

Group 2 Efficiency

Lot 715, consigned by J Bar Stenberg Ranch and sired by McPhee Trophy

36, topped the Eff category with an Eff of 110. His EPDs are BW -2.0, WW 68, YW 114, M 31, RFI -1.19, MBT 111, ADG 3.26. and WDA 3.77.

Lot 710 and 712 tied for second place with an Eff of 107. Both of these bulls were consigned by Timberman Ranches, Inc.

Lot 294

Lot 710 is a son of BFCK Cherokee CNYN 4912 and his EPDs are BW 2.3, WW 78, YW 126, M 19, RFI -0.40, MBT 106, ADG 3.53 and WDA 3.01.

Lot 712 was sired by Pie Cinch 4126. He has an ADG of 2.98, a WDA of 2.77 and EPDs of BW -5.3, WW 57, YW 91, M 25, RFI -0.93 and MBT

MJB Ranch of Lodge Grass, Mont. finished as the Midland Bull Test Group 1 leader, while Royal Beef Genetics of Starbuck, Minn. and MJB Ranch finished as Group 2 leaders. In Group 2, the bulls collectively have an average daily gain (ADG) of 3.65 and an average weight per day of age (WDA) of 3.15.

The South Devon bulls sell on April 6 in lots 801 through 828.

The leaders in ADG, WDA, Efficiency (Eff) and Midland Bull Test (MBT) Index are listed below.

Group 1, ADG, WDA, Efficiency and MBT Index

In Group 1, lot 804 was the winner across all categories. He was consigned by MJB Ranch. He has EPDs of BW 0.9, WW 72, YW 115, M 19, ADG 3.49, WDA 3.04, RFI -0.04, Eff 112 and MBT 108. He was sired by BC Progress 315U.

Group 2 ADG

Leading the pack was lot 828, sired by LV Hunker Down 003H, with an ADG of 4.17. He has EPDs of BW 1.4, WW 79, YW 119, M 18, RFI -2.23, Eff 115, MBT 121 and WDA 3.55. He was consigned by Royal Beef Genetics.

Lots 817, 814 and 813 were consigned by MJB Ranch.

In second was lot 817, sired by MJB Dillon 689D. He has an ADG of 3.72, a WDA of 3.27 and EPDs of BW 1.9, WW 70, YW 107, M 23, RFI 1.63, Eff 95 and MBT 108.

In third place was lot 814, sired by NFL Progress DSB014. He has an ADG

99. Group 2 MBT Index

Lot 715, a son of McPhee Trophy 36 and consigned by J Bar Stenberg Ranch, posted the leading MBT Index score with an MBT of 111 in Group 2 Red Angus bulls. His EPDs are BW -2.0, WW 68, YW 114, M 31, RFI -1.19, Eff 110, ADG 3.26. and WDA 3.77.

Lot 716, with an MBT of 107, earned second place. This bull was also consigned by J Bar Stenberg Ranch and is a son of 5L The Real Deal 1603393G. His EPDs are BW -2.3, WW 67, YW 114 M 26, RFI -0.62, Eff 106, ADG 3.39 and WDA 3.54.

Lots 706 and 710 tied for third with an MBT of 106.

Sired by Six Excellent Again G40, with an

ADG of 3.94 and a WDA of 3.20, this bull has EPDs of BW -2.1, WW 68, YW 117, M 20, RFI 4.10 and Eff 90. He was consigned by Six Iron Ranch. Rounding out the class, with an MBT of 106, was lot 710. Sired by BFCK Cherokee CNYN 4912, this bull has EPDs of BW 2.3, WW 78, YW 126, M 19, RFI -0.40, ADG 3.53 and WDA 3.01. He was consigned by Tim-

berman Ranches, Inc. Midland Bull Test Awards Sale bulls in each breed qualify for Midland Bull Test Performance Awards, based on performance, semen evaluation and soundness. Breeds with less than 30 head and all fall bulls qualify for the MBT High Indexing Bull and High Efficiency Bull awards.

As of March 8, pend-

ing semen results and registration documents, the High Indexing Bull and High Efficiency Bull Award was earned by J Bar Stenberg Ranch’s lot 715 with a MBT of 106 and Eff 110.

This set of Red Angus bulls will sell at the Midland Bull Test Annual Final Sort Sale on April 6 in Columbus, Mont. To view the full results, visit midlandbulltest.com

of 3.39, a WDA of 2.86 and EPDs of BW 2.1, WW 87, YW 131, M 12, RFI 0.37, Eff 103 and MBT 107.

In fourth place was lot 813. He was sired by BC Progress 315U and has an ADG of 3.30, a WDA of 2.92 and EPDs of BW 1.8, WW 85, YW 135, M 23, RFI -1.08, Eff 110 and MBT 109. Group 2 WDA

In Group 2 WDA, lot 828 placed first with a WDA of 3.55. He was sired by LV Hunker Down 003H. He has EPDs of BW 1.4, WW 79, YW 119, M 18, RFI -2.23, Eff 115, MBT 121 and ADG of 4.17. He was consigned by Royal Beef Genetics.

Lots 817, 814 and 813 were consigned by MJB Ranch.

Lot 817 placed second with a WDA of 3.27. He was sired by MJB Dillon 689D. He has EPDs of BW 1.9, WW 70, YW 107, M 23, RFI 1.63, Eff 95, MBT 108 and ADG 3.72.

Lot 813 placed third with a WDA of 2.92. He was sired by BC Progress 315U and has an ADG of 3.30 and EPDs of BW 1.8, WW 85, YW 135, M 23, RFI -1.08,

Eff 110 and MBT 109.

Lot 814 placed fourth with a WDA of 2.86. He was sired by NFL Progress DSB014. He has an ADG of 3.39 and EPDs of BW 2.1, WW 87, YW 131, M 12, RFI 0.37, Eff 103 and MBT 107.

Group 2 Efficiency

Lot 828 topped the Eff category with an Eff of 115. He was sired by LV Hunker Down 003H. He has EPDs of BW 1.4, WW 79, YW 119, M 18, RFI -2.23, MBT 121, ADG 4.17 and WDA 3.55. He was consigned by Royal Beef Genetics.

Lots 817, 814 and 813 were consigned by MJB Ranch.

Lot 813 earned second place with an Eff of 110. He was sired by BC Progress 315U and has an ADG of 3.30, a WDA of 2.92 and EPDs of BW 1.8, WW 85, YW 135, M 23, RFI -1.08 and MBT 109.

Lot 814 placed third with an Eff of 103. He was sired by NFL Progress DSB014. He has an ADG of 3.39, a WDA of 2.86 and EPDs of BW 2.1, WW 87, YW 131, M 12, RFI 0.37

and MBT 107.

Lot 817 earned fourth with an Eff of 95. He was sired by MJB Dillon 689D. He has EPDs of BW 1.9, WW 70, YW 107, M 23, RFI 1.63, MBT 108, ADG

3.72 and WDA 3.27.

Group 2 MBT Index

Lot 828 posted the leading MBT Index score with an MBT of 121 in Group 2 South Devon Bulls. He was sired by LV Hunker

Down 003H. He has EPDs of BW 1.4, WW 79, YW 119, M 18, RFI -2.23, Eff 115,

Outstanding Granger Prospects

Lot 251

Lot 257 and 258 are full E.T. brothers out of what I consider a near perfect cow. She produced Granger Black Eagle 822, that sold to Leo McDonnell, Matt Brown and Hutson Farms. Cody Dix purchased a Sterling Pacific son in last year’s sale. The Dam has proved herself at Midland and at home. Genomic %-2 doc, 3 SC, HP 11, WW 9.

Lots of cow power in the pedigree! Top 4% WW and Marbling, Top 5% HP, Top 8% PAP with a Midland Eff ratio of 106.

Lot 257

Lot 259

This young cow is sired by another $25,000 seller Great Falls 630. Genomic % rank: Top 1% WW, Top 1% YLG, Top 1% Scrotal, Top 8% Docility, Top 3% Ribeye, Top 14% PAP. Ribeye 16.3.

Granger Jet 214

2-20-22 Sire: Bar R Jet Black 5063

Lot 261

Top indexing Salers highlight stock from Elm Creek Ranch and Parke Ranch

Elm Creek Ranch of Hebron, N.D. and Parke Ranch of Drummond, Mont. consigned the top Salers bulls at the 2023 Midland Bull Test. Bulls leading Group 2 have an average daily gain (ADG) of 3.63 and an average weight per day of age (WDA) of 3.46.

The leaders in ADG, WDA, Efficiency (Eff) and Midland Bull Test (MBT) Index are listed below.

The Salers bulls sell on April 7 in lots 650 through 679.

Group 2 ADG

All of the leading bulls for ADG were consigned by Elm Creek Ranch.

Leading the pack was lot 656, sired by TSB Hunter 10C, with an ADG of 3.76. He has EPDs of BW 2.0, WW 76, YW 108, M 12, RFI -0.02, Eff 108, MBT 111 and WDA 3.26.

Lots 671 and 661 tied for second place with an ADG of 3.62.

Lot 671 was sired by MCD Effective 789. He has an ADG of 3.62, a WDA of 3.32 and EPDs of BW -0.5, WW 72, YW 120, M 20, RFI -0.75, Eff 109 and MBT 108.

Continued from previous page

Lots 817, 814 and 813 were consigned by MJB Ranch.

Lot 813, with an MBT of 109, earned second place. He was sired by BC Progress 315U and has an ADG of 3.30, a WDA of 2.92 and EPDs of BW 1.8, WW 85, YW 135, M 23, RFI -1.08 and Eff 110.

Lot 817, with an MBT of 108, placed third. He was sired by MJB Dillon 689D. He has an ADG of 3.72, a WDA of 3.27 and EPDs of BW 1.9, WW 70, YW 107, M 23, RFI 1.63 and Eff 95.

Lot 661 was sired by JSR Bentley 0165H.

He has an ADG of 3.62, WDA of 3.21 and EPDs of BW 1.3, WW 76, YW 113, M 9, RFI 0.71, Eff 99 and MBT 103.

Rounding out the class was lot 666, sired by ECR Exclusive 019H.

He has an ADG of 3.53, WDA of 3.36 and EPDs of BW 1.1, WW 76, YW 114, M 18, RFI 1.28, Eff 93 and MBT 105.

Group 2 WDA Leading the pack was lot 667, sired by ECR Exclusive 019H, with a WDA of 3.53. He has EPDs of BW 1.3, WW 81, YW 122, M 16, RFI -0.35, Eff 103, MBT 109 and ADG 3.49. He was consigned by Elm Creek Ranch.

Lot 680 placed second. He was sired by SRS Forward 0984F. He has a WDA of 3.49, an ADG of 3.35 and EPDs of BW 0.8, WW 74, YW 110, M 26, RFI 4.67, Eff 92 and MBT 108. He was consigned by Parke Ranch.

Lot 663 placed third. He was sired by Keys Excel 2H. He has a WDA of 3.46, an ADG of 3.49 and EPDs of BW 1.5, WW 83, YW 121, M 14,

Rounding out the class, with an MBT of 107, was lot 814. He was sired by NFL Progress DSB014. He has an ADG of 3.39, a WDA of 2.86 and EPDs of BW 2.1, WW 87, YW 131, M 12, RFI 0.37 and Eff 103.

Midland Bull Test Awards

Sale Bulls in each breed qualify for Midland Bull Test Performance Awards, based on performance, semen evaluation and soundness. Breeds with less than 30 head and all fall bulls qualify for the MBT High Indexing Bull and High Efficiency Bull awards.

RFI 0.33, Eff 109 and MBT 112. He was consigned by Elm Creek Ranch.

Rounding out the class was lot 666, sired by ECR Exclusive 019H. He has a WDA of 3.36, an ADG of 3.53 and EPDs of BW 1.1, WW 76, YW 114, M 18, RFI 1.28, Eff 93 and MBT 105. He was consigned by Elm Creek Ranch.

Group 2 Efficiency

All bulls were consigned by Elm Creek Ranch. Lot 658 topped the Eff category with a score of 111, and lot 668 earned second with an Eff of 110.

Lot 658 was sired by TSB Hunter 10C. He has an ADG of 3.21, a WDA of 3.17 and EPDs of BW 1.3, WW 72, YW 104, M 10, RFI -2.14 and MBT 106.

Lot 668, sired by Baldridge Bronc, has an ADG of 3.44 and a WDA of 3.27. His EPDs are BW -2.0, WW 78, YW 124, M 19, RFI -2.20 and MBT 109.

Lots 663 and 671 tied for third place with an Eff of 109.

Lot 663 was sired by Keys Excel 2H. He has a WDA of 3.46, an ADG

As of March 8, pending semen results and registration documents, the High Indexing Bull and High Efficiency Bull Award was earned by Royal Beef Genetics’ lot 828 with a MBT of 121 and an Eff of 115.

He was sired by LV Hunker Down 003H. He has EPDs of BW 1.4, WW 79, YW 119, M 18, RFI -2.23, ADG 4.17 and WDA 3.55.

This set of South Devon bulls will sell at the Midland Bull Test Annual Final Sort Sale on April 6 in Columbus, Mont. To view the full results, visit midlandbulltest.com

of 3.49 and EPDs of BW 1.5, WW 83, YW 121, M 14, RFI 0.33 and MBT 112.

Lot 671 was sired by MCD Effective 789. He has an ADG of 3.62, a WDA of 3.32 and EPDs of BW -0.5, WW 72, YW 120, M 20, RFI -0.75 and MBT 108.

Group 2 MBT Index

Lot 663 posted the leading MBT Index score of 112 in Group 2 Salers. He was sired by Keys Excel 2H. He has a WDA of 3.46, an ADG of 3.49 and EPDs of BW 1.5, WW 83, YW 121, M 14, RFI 0.33 and Eff 109.

Lot 656, with an MBT of 111, earned second place. He was sired by TSB Hunter 10C. He has EPDs of BW 2.0, WW 76, YW 108, M 12, RFI -0.02, Eff 108, ADG 3.76 and WDA 3.26.

Lots 667 and 668 tied for third with an MBT of 109.

Lot 667 was sired by ECR Exclusive 019H. He has EPDs of BW 1.3, WW 81, YW 122, M 16, RFI -0.35, Eff 103, ADG 3.49 and WDA 3.53.

Lot 668, sired by Baldridge Bronc, has an ADG of 3.44 and a WDA of 3.27. His EPDs are

Salers Leaders

BW -2.0, WW 78, YW 124, M 19, RFI -2.20 and MBT 109.

All bulls in the MBT Index class were consigned by Elm Creek Ranch, with the exception of lot 676 and 680, which were consigned by Parke Ranch.

Midland Bull Test Awards

Sale bulls in each breed qualify for Midland Bull Test Performance Awards, based on performance, semen evaluation and soundness. Breeds with less than 30 head and all fall bulls qualify for MBT High Indexing Bull and High Efficiency Bull awards.

As of March 8, pending semen results and registration documents, the High Indexing Bull

was awarded to Elm Creek Ranch’s lot 663 with an MBT of 112. He was sired by Keys Excel 2H. He has a WDA of 3.46, an ADG of 3.49 and EPDs of BW 1.5, WW 83, YW 121, M 14, RFI 0.33 and Eff 109.

The High Efficiency Bull Award went to Elm Creek Ranch’s lot 658 with an Eff of 111. This bull was sired by TSB Hunter 10C. He has an ADG of 3.21, a WDA of 3.17 and EPDs of BW 1.3, WW 72, YW 104, M 10, RFI -2.14 and MBT 106.

This set of Salers bulls will sell at the Midland Bull Test Annual Final Sort Sale on April 6 in Columbus, Mont. To view the full results, visit midlandbulltest.com

Freeman consigns top indexing LimFlex bull at Midland

Tate Freeman of Klamath Falls, Ore. consigned the top LimFlex bull at the 2023 Midland Bull Test. This bull will sell on April 6.

Group 2 LimFlex Bull ADG, WDA, Efficiency, MBT Index

The 2023 LimFlex Top Indexing Bull, lot 775, was sired by CIC Driver. He has an ADG of 3.07, a WDA of 2.92 and EPDs of BW -0.6, WW 62, YW 89,

M 15, RFI -1.48, Eff 103 and MBT 101.

Midland Bull Test Awards

Offering 2 Sons of Tehama Patriarch

lot 775 with an MBT of 101 and an Eff of 103. This LimFlex bull will sell at the Midland Bull Test Annual Final Sort Sale on April 6 in Columbus, Mont. To view the full results, visit midlandbulltest.com

Mallett Simmentals represented the breed well at Midland

Four Simmental bulls, all consigned by Mallett Simmentals of Lampasas, Texas, represented the breed well during the 2023 Midland Bull Test in Columbus, Mont. These bulls were split into two groups, with one bull in the Group 1 Fall Bulls and three bulls in Group 2.

Collectively, the Group 2 bulls have an average daily gain (ADG) of 3.73 and an average weight per day of age of 3.10.

Leaders of both groups in ADG, WDA, Efficiency (Eff) and Midland Bull Test (MBT) Index are listed below. These four bulls will sell April 6 as lots 850 through 859.

Group 1, ADG, WDA,

Efficiency and MBT Index

Lot 851 was the leader of the Group 1 Fall Bulls.

Sired by OMF Epic E27, this bull had an ADG of 3.62, a WDA of 2.76 and EPDs of BW -1.7, WW 81.9, YW 114.6, M 23.8, RFI 0.31, Eff 99 and MBT 106.

Group 2 ADG

The top-ranking Group 2 Simmental ADG bull was lot 858, a son of Mallett C556, with an ADG of 3.85. This bull has EPDs of BW 1.7, WW 75.1, YW 113.1, M 28, RFI 0.82, Eff 102, MBT 108 and WDA 3.09.

Pulling into the second place position, with an ADG of 3.81, was lot 859.

Sired by Mallett Bar None F812, this bull has EPDs of BW 2.3, WW 84.3, YW 127.5, M 29.4, RFI 1.46, Eff 106, MBT 107 and WDA 3.09.

Rounding out the top three ADG Simmental bulls is lot 857 with an ADG of 3.53. This bull has a WDA of 3.13 and EPDs of BW 2.2, WW 88, YW 141.4, M 24.3, RFI 0.66, Eff 110 and MBT 107. He was sired by ES TNT Unlocked GE49.

Group 2 WDA

Lot 857 had the highest WDA of the Group 2 Simmental bulls, with a WDA of 3.13, and there was a twoway tie between lots 858 and 859 for second place, each with a WDA of 3.09.

Group 2 Efficiency

The leading Simmental bull in the Eff category was lot 857, with an Eff of 110. Lot 859 earned second place honors with an Eff of 106, and lot 858 was third with an Eff of 102.

Group 2 MBT Index

With an MBT of 108, lot 858 was the highest indexing bull of the three. Lot 857 and 859 each had an MBT of 107 for a second-place tie.

Midland Bull Test Awards

Sale bulls in each breed qualify for Midland Bull Test Performance Awards, based on performance, semen evaluation and soundness. Breeds with less than 30 head and all fall bulls qualify for honors

Simmental Leaders

as the MBT High Indexing Bull and High Efficiency Bull.

As of March 8, pending semen results and registration documents, the High Indexing Simmental Bull was lot 858 with an MBT of 108.

Lot 857 received the

High Efficiency Simmental Bull Award with an Eff of 110.

This set of Simmental bulls will sell at the Midland Bull

visit

Top indexing Charolais bulls highlight stock from J Bar Stenberg Ranch

J Bar Stenberg Ranch of Denton, Mont. consigned the top two Charolais bulls at the 2023 Midland Bull Test. As the leaders of Group 2, these bulls have a collective average daily gain (ADG) of 2.98 and an average weight per day of age (WDA) of 3.47.

The leaders in ADG, WDA, Efficiency (Eff) and Midland Bull Test (MBT) Index are listed below.

The Charolais bulls sell on April 6 in lots 760 through 763.

Group 2 ADG

Leading the pack was lot 761, sired by LCR Red Dawn 6653 PLD, with an ADG of

3.12. He has EPDs of BW

3.3, WW 70, YW 113, M 21, RFI -0.40, Eff 102, MBT 105 and WDA 3.58.

In second was lot 762, sired by LCR Red Dawn 6653 PLD. He has an ADG of 2.84, a WDA of 3.36 and EPDs of BW 3.7, WW 57, YW 109, M 19, RFI -1.87, Eff 107 and MBT 102.

Group 2 WDA

In the Group 2 Charo-

lais WDA category, lot 761 placed first with a WDA 3.58, and lot 762 placed second with a WDA of 3.36.

Group 2 Efficiency

Lot 762 topped the Eff category with an Eff of 107, and lot 761 earned second with an Eff of 102.

Group 2 MBT Index

Lot 761, a son of LCR Red Dawn 6653 PLD, posted the leading MBT Index score with an MBT of 105.

Lot 762, with an MBT of 102, earned second place.

PROVEN PERFORMANCE BULLS

Willekes Angus – providing proven performance bulls for over 20 years at Midland Bull Test.

Both bulls were consigned by J Bar Stenberg Ranch.

Midland Bull Test Awards

Sale bulls in each breed qualify for Midland Bull Test Performance Awards, based on performance, semen evaluation and soundness. Breeds with less than 30 head and all fall bulls qualify for the MBT High Indexing Bull and High Efficiency Bull awards.

As of March 8, pending semen results and registra-

charolais Leaders

Group 2 ADG

1 – Lot 761 – 3.12

2 – Lot 762 – 2.84

Group 2 WDA

1 – Lot 761 – 3.58

2 – Lot 762 – 3.36

tion documents, the High Indexing Bull was awarded to lot 761 with an MBT of 105.

The High Efficiency Bull Award was awarded to lot 762 with an Eff of 107.

Group 2 Efficiency

1 – Lot 762 – 107

2 – Lot 761 – 102

Group 2 MBT Index

1 – Lot 761 – 105

2 – Lot 762 – 102

This set of Charolais bulls will sell at the Midland Bull Test Annual Final Sort Sale on April 6 in Columbus, Mont. To view the full results, visit midlandbulltest.com

Lot 441

Dam is one our most proven donors. She has 13 bulls and 10 females recorded. Lot 443 is a full brother to our high performance, top-selling bull at TBT, selling to Jeff Berger and Danny Mydland for $17,500. His calves are standouts, he is also the Sire of lot 442.

Currently tied for 5th place ADG in our test group. Top 1% WW, YW, CW, and $F. Top 4% RADG, top 5% Claw, and top 2% Angle, top 10%HP, $W, $B, $C. Terrific Dam that has excellent production records, 3CI@361, and 3WR@108, 3IMF@108.

1.31.22 • Sire Connealy Spur

Willekes Angus

Lot 443

Pair of Gelbvieh bulls post impressive results at 2023 Midland Bull Test

Cedar Top Ranch of Stapleton, Neb. consigned the top two Gelbvieh bulls, lots 750 and 751, in Group 2 during the 2023 Midland Bull Test. These two bulls were both sired by DBRG MR Franchise 0247H and have an average daily gain (ADG) of 3.74 and an average weight per day of age of 3.24.

They will sell on April 6.

Group 2 ADG

Of the two bulls, lot 750 has the leading ADG of 4.04. His EPDs are BW

-1.4, WW 77, YW 123, M 19, RFI 0.53, Eff 97, MBT 106 and WDA 3.21.

With second place honors, lot 751 has an ADG of 3.44. His EPDs are BW 0.2, WW 83, YW 137, M 22, RFI 0.29, Eff 101, MBT 104 and WDA 3.27.

Group 2 WDA

Lot 751 was the leader of the WDA category, with a WDA of 3.27, and lot 750 came in second with a WDA of 3.21.

Group 2 Efficiency

Lot 751 also earned

the top spot in the Eff category, with an Eff of 101, followed by lot 750 in the second place position with an Eff of 97.

Group 2 MBT Index

With an MBT of 106, lot 750 brought home top honors for the Group 1 Gelbvieh bulls in the MBT Index category, and lot 751 was second with an MBT of 104.

Midland Bull Test Awards

Sale bulls in each breed qualify for Midland

Bull Test Performance Awards, based on performance, semen evaluation and soundness. Breeds with less than 30 head and all fall bulls qualify for honors as the MBT High Indexing Bull and High Efficiency Bull.

As of March 8, pending semen results and registration documents, the High Indexing Gelbvieh Bull was lot 750 with an MBT of 106.

With an Eff of 104, lot 752 received the High

gelbvieh Leaders

Group 2 ADG 1 – Lot 750 – 4.04

2 – Lot 751 – 3.44

Group

Efficiency Gelbvieh Bull Award. A son of CTR Ringgold 9700G ET, this bull has an ADG of 3.49, a WDA of 3.03 and EPDs of BW 0.3, WW 70, YW 106 and M 21.

Group

This set of Gelbvieh bulls will sell at the Midland Bull Test Annual Final Sort Sale on April 6 in Columbus, Mont. To view the full results, visit midlandbulltest.com

2023 Midland Bull Test offers top-of-the-line Hereford bulls

Stevenson’s Diamond Dot Cattle Company of Hobson, Mont. and LPH Ranch, LLC of Syracuse, Utah consigned the top two Hereford bulls at the 2023 Midland Bull Test. The bulls collectively have an

average daily gain (ADG) of 3.21 and an average weight per day of age (WDA) of 2.83.

The leaders in ADG, WDA, Efficiency (Eff) and Midland Bull Test (MBT) Index are listed below.

The Hereford bulls sell on April 6 in lots 600 through 606.

Group 2 ADG

The leader in Group 2 ADG Hereford Bulls was lot 603, sired by LPHR 2021 Tested 901. He has an ADG of 3.30 and EPDs of BW 4.1, WW 60, YW 94, M 26, MBT 104 and WDA 2.70. He was consigned by LPH Ranch, LLC.

In second was lot 601, sired by NJW Long Haul 36E ET. He has an ADG of 3.12, a WDA of 2.95 and EPDs of BW -0.1, WW 64, YW 103, M 43, RFI -1.90, Eff 101 and MBT 110. He was consigned by Stevenson’s Diamond Dot Cattle

POWER • GROWTH • EFFICIENCY A Tremendous Set of Bulls from KB Angus

Company.

Group 2 WDA

In the Group 2 Hereford Bulls WDA category, lot 601 placed first with a WDA of 2.95, and lot 603 placed second with a WDA of 2.70.

Group 2 Efficiency

Lot 601 topped the Eff category with a score of 101. No Eff data was posted for lot 603.

Group 2 MBT Index Lot 601 posted the leading MBT Index score with an MBT of 110 in the Group 2 Hereford Bulls, and lot 603, with an MBT of 104, earned second place.

Midland Bull Test Awards Sale bulls in each breed

HEREFORD LEADERS

qualify for Midland Bull Test Performance Awards, based on performance, semen evaluation and soundness. Breeds with less than 30 head and all fall bulls qualify for the MBT High Indexing Bull and High Efficiency Bull awards.

As of March 8, pending semen results and registration documents, the

High Indexing Bull and High Efficiency Bull was awarded to Stevenson’s Diamond Dot Cattle Company’s lot 601 with a MBT of 110 and an Eff of 101. This set of Hereford bulls will sell at the Midland Bull Test Annual Final Sort Sale on April 6 in Columbus, Mont. To view the full results, visit midlandbulltest.com

Chiangus bulls make outstanding debut at Midland Chiangus Leaders

For the first time in Midland Bull Test history, Chiangus bulls made an appearance, and this year, four bulls provided by two consigners represented the breed well. These bulls were split into two groups, with one bull in the Group 1 Fall Bulls and three bulls in Group 2.

Group

offers double-digit CED and tremendous growth. His dam stems from the Basin Lucy 3829 cow, a donor in our program that brings along excellent feet and udder quality and also adds phenotype. He will make a great herd bull that has strong maternal and end-product merit. Selling 2/3 interest and full possession.

of the breed. He will improve foot quality and add performance. He has what it takes to make a positive imprint in a cow herd. Selling 2/3 interest and full possession.

Collectively, the Group 2 bulls have an average daily gain (ADG) of 3.56 and an average weight per day of age of 3.39.

Leaders of both groups in ADG, WDA, Efficiency (Eff) and Midland Bull Test (MBT) Index are listed below. These four bulls will sell on April 6.

Group 1, ADG, WDA, Efficiency and MBT Index

This one has always been a standout. He has an elite EPD profile WW, YW top 10% , HP top 15%, PAP top 2%, MB top 3% with $B and $C in the top 1%. His Granddam produced KB-Super Charge D19 selling for $31,000 at the Midland Bull Test. Selling 2/3 interest and full possession.

Angus had the Champion Sire Group, Champion Pen of Three, Top ADG and Champion WDA in 2022 and also produced the top selling bull in 2019 and the top gaining low birthweight bull in 2020.

Lot 725, consigned by Clarahan Farms of Harper, Iowa, was the leading bull in Group 1 Chiangus Fall Bulls. This bull was sired by DCL MR Hustle X542F and has an ADG of 2.89 and a WDA of 3.03. His EPDs are BW 0.6, WW 64, YW 105, M 18, RFI -0.93, Eff 94 and MBT 98.

Group 2 ADG

In Group 2, lot 727

was the high-ranking ADG bull, with an ADG of 3.81. He was sired by DCL MR Regard 193 1913G and has EPDs of BW 1.8, WW 75, YW 121, M 23, RFI -1.12, Eff 107, MBT 111 and WDA 3.08. This bull was consigned by Clarahan Farms.

Clarahan Farms’ lot 728, also sired by DCL MR Regard 193 1913G, earned second place honors in the ADG category, with an ADG of 3.62. His EPDs are BW 1.6, WW 69, YW 117, M 20, RFI 0.84, Eff 104, MBT 113 and WDA 3.73.

Closing out the top three leaders for Group 2 ADG Chiangus was lot 734, with an ADG of 3.26. This bull was consigned by Brandon Rock of Long Valley, S.D. and sired by MEFC Denali

864F. His EPDs are BW

1.1, WW 69, YW 109, M 19, RFI 0.64, Eff 100, MBT 107 and WDA 3.36.

Group 2 WDA

With a WDA of 3.73, lot 728 had the highest WDA of the three Chiangus bulls in Group 2, followed by lot 734 in second place with a WDA of 3.36 and lot 727 in third place with a WDA of 3.08.

Group 2 Efficiency

In the Eff category, lot 727 pulled ahead of his contemporaries for a first place finish with an Eff of 107. Lot 728 earned second place honors with an Eff of 104, and rounding out the group was lot 734 with an Eff of 100.

Group 2 MBT Index Lot 728 was the highest indexing bull,

Educator discusses managing bull fertility and reproductive efficiency

University of Wyoming

Extension Beef Specialist

Shelby Rosasco spoke to attendees on Feb. 8 during the Fremont County Farm and Ranch Days in Riverton about managing bull fertility and reproductive efficiency.

Beef cow/calf production

Rosasco shared with attendees the goal of beef cow/calf production is to wean a healthy, heavy calf with the greatest genetic potential to perform per cow, every year.

In terms of reproductive efficiency, the goal is to optimize pregnancy rates early in the breeding season and select and/or develop highly-fertile replacement heifers at the lowest cost possible.

She explained reproductive efficiency is a result of management, selection pressure, nutrition and health and reproductive technologies.

Producers’ expectations of replacement heifers in relation to management and selection pressure include attaining puberty prior to the first breeding season, calving by 24 months of age and maintaining a 365-day calving interval.

Additionally, the calf must be genetically capable to perform; milk production must be appropriate for the environment, but provide sufficient resources for the calf to reach genetic potential; heifers must maintain body condition score for the production environment and/or management conditions and temperament.

Rosasco encouraged producers to select heifers that will become pregnant early in the breeding season.

“One option would be to only retain heifers bred in the first 30 days and market late-bred heifers,” she said. “Producers can also shorten the breeding season length to 30 days and market open heifers as feeders.”

Additionally, producers can also utilize reproductive technologies such as estrous synchronization. She noted, in the long run, utilizing selection pressure for heifers that become pregnant early in the breeding season can allow for an increase in calf weaning weights and

“Assessing reproductive efficiency allows for identification of any problems, as well as provides an opportunity to plan for the upcoming year and build on current success.”

– Shelby Rosasco, University of Wyoming

cow longevity.

Assessing

reproductive efficiency

Rosasco shared with producers it’s important to identify good cows and to cull open cows.

“Assessing reproductive efficiency allows for identification of any problems, as well as provides an opportunity to plan for the upcoming year and build on current success,” she said.

A few things to help producers keep track of reproductive efficiency is to maintain records on the number of females exposed, dates when bulls were put in and removed, weaning and pregnancy rates, weaning weight and calving distribution.

Reproductive technologies

She noted the power of reproductive technologies and management is well established, supported by research, field tested and works.

Several reproductive technologies producers can utilize include breeding season management, breeding soundness exams (BSE), pregnancy diagnosis, crossbreeding, reproductive tract scoring, ultrasounding, artificial insemination (AI), estrous synchronization, embryo transfer, in vitro fertilization and genomics.

She has found very few operations across the U.S. are taking full advantage of reproductive technologies.

“Only 7.9 percent of U.S. beef operations use estrous synchronization, and only 7.6 percent use artificial insemination,” she said.

Several advantages of estrous synchronization programs include allowing the use of superior bulls via AI or natural service; producing calves that were, on average, 13 days older and 21 pounds heavier than nonsychronized females (Schafer et al., 1990) and making AI programs practical by reducing time and labor for

Continued from previous page

heat detection.

Additionally, estrous synchronization programs allow producers to focus on concentrating the breeding season. Such programs can concentrate the calving period, allowing more uniform management of cows, produce a more uniform calf crop and concentrate labor.

In order to supplement a good estrous synchronization program, producers will need a well-planned program, fertile females with a good body condition score (BCS) that are healthy and disease free, a good working facility, accurate records, with identification and people trained in detecting.

She noted not all operations will use AI with estrous synchronization programs.

If planning to use estrous synchronization with natural service, she encouraged producers to use a smaller pasture or lot to reduce bull energy expenditure, have a one to 15 or one to 25 bull to cow ratio, ensure bulls have a pecking order established prior to turnout and allow time for the bull to rest after intense activity.

Bull fertility

Rosasco explained 87.5 percent of the genetic makeup of a calf crop is determined by the last three bulls used. Of the 87.5 percent genetic makeup of the calf, the sire accounts for 50 percent, the grand sire for 25 percent and great-grand sire for 12.5 percent.

Bull fertility includes the physical capability to mate, capacity to produce spermatozoa/sperm and the percentage of functionally normal spermatozoa.

The goal of a BSE is to identify subfertile bulls. She shared bulls should have a BSE done every year, roughly 30 to 60 days prior to the breeding season.

“It’s a cheap insurance policy,” she noted.

She shared some research has shown high-energy diets fed post weaning influences scrotal growth and semen quality.

During the off season, bulls should have an adequate nutrition management plan, as the plane of nutrition impacts mature bull fertility. She said bulls should be maintained at a BCS of a five or a six and have a good mineral program.

Rosasco noted zinc

plays a role in male fertility and is critical for sperm-cell plasma membrane integrity, tail morphology and mobility, in addition to selenium, which is critical for normal spermatogenesis.

Itʼs important to have fertile bulls and offer adequate nutrition to maintain fertility. However, there are many factors that can impact a bull’s fertility.

Low temperatures and windy conditions can easily increase feed requirements 25 to 30 percent above normal maintenance requirements, and a lack of wind protection or bedding will increase the chance of frost damage to the scrotum and testicles.

Additionally, cold weather and wind chill can result in bull infertility by causing tissue damage, including blisters and scabs from frostbite.

Key points

In closing, Rosasco shared efficiency and productivity within the herd is tied to reproductive performance and longevity. She encouraged producers to optimize the numbers of cows and heifers pregnant early in the breeding season and consider utilization of technology to increase efficiency.

“Nutritional management of bulls is critical,” she said. “Consider the genetic contribution of bulls to a cow herd – his fertility is important.”

Additionally, consider performing a BSE 30 to 60 days before the breeding season to identify subfertile bulls.

Brittany Gunn is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

Also Offering...

Private Treaty Bulls for Sale

WE NEVER CREEP-FEED! Our un-pampered bulls run in the same conditions as our commercial herd. with an MBT of 113. He was followed by lot 727 in second place with an MBT of 111 and lot 734 in third place with an MBT of 107.

Midland Bull Test Awards

Sale bulls in each breed qualify for Midland Bull Test Performance Awards, based on performance, semen evaluation and soundness. Breeds with less than 30 head and all fall bulls qualify for honors as the MBT High Indexing Bull and High Effi-

ciency Bull.

As of March 8, pending semen results and registration documents, the High Indexing Chiangus Bull was lot 728 with an MBT of 113.

Lot 727 received the High Efficiency Chiangus Bull Award with an Eff of 107.

This set of Chiangus bulls will sell at the Midland Bull Test Annual Final Sort Sale on April 6 in Columbus, Mont. To view the full results, visit midlandbulltest.com

For more information:

A generations deep passion for proven Angus genetics. Our program has been built on a foundation of genetics from the herd of the late Ray Van Dyke. Our mission is to provide profitable high-performance genetics that function for the commercial cattleman.

Chelsee Camblin photo

BCI Cattle Chat highlights pros and cons for buying, leasing or raising bulls

The Kansas State University (KSU) Beef Cattle Institute’s (BCI) podcast hosts KSU BCI Veterinarian

Bob Larson, BCI Clinical Assistant Professor Phillip Lancaster, KSU Professor and BCI Cattle Chat Host

Brad White and Dalebanks Angus’ Matt Perrier to discuss buying bulls versus raising bulls on Feb. 10. Buying versus raising bulls

Perrier notes in most cases, it’s best to buy bulls rather than raise them. However, in some cases, raising them can be a good option.

“I have seen, on rare occasions, where raising bulls works pretty well for a commercial producer if they have enough size to raise their own seedstock,” he says.

In most cases, producers will find it may pencil out in the short term, but in the long term, it can be more costly to raise a bull than to buy one.

“Today, we look at things like genomic enhancements and DNA, which does a fabulous job of helping us manage our risk of population genetics,” he shares. “We’re not just

purchasing a 1,200 to 1,500 pound animal, we’re buying decades worth of selection for a massive amount of traits, and those things do come at a cost.”

“Sometimes it pencils out to raise a bull if an operation has high-quality cattle with good male offspring,” says Larson. “Sometimes an operation might have a large enough herd where they do have a purebred or a seedstock source herd, but it may come with some negatives, including inbreeding challenges.”

“I think from a commercial standpoint, a lot of producers are thinking about the feed aspect,” adds Lancaster. “A producer might spend $1,000 to $1,500 in growing a weaned bull calf and not spend the $5,000-plus on a new bull, but we’re not taking into account the genetic predictions and all of the data collected in genomics, as well as all of the other costs associated with picking out a really good bull.”

Bull data

Larson explains for some producers, it may be easier to understand data from their own herd.

“When I go to a sale, I may not feel qualified to interpret the available information on a bull, so it becomes easier for me to look at and pick out a bull from my own herd, which I know is performing well and his mother is performing well,” he says.

“There’s some truth to this way of thinking, but to me, it’s not only about picking a bull, it’s picking my bull supplier. I need to be able to completely trust they are making genetic decisions in my best interest, even if I don’t understand them,” he adds.

White notes a bull’s phenotype and genotype is not always the same. Phenotype is the set of observable characteristics or traits of an organism, whereas genotype of an organism is its complete set of genetic material.

“Producers can be looking at a bull, and he can be a really good bull, but what genes or genetics has he actually inherited that he’s going to pass on to the next generation?” Perrier asks. “Unless a producer is keeping track of parentage and lineage, they will have no

idea what genetics will be passed on.”

Balancing traits

Perrier encourages listeners to consider all of the balance traits they have available when raising a bull and keeping it to put on their cows.

“Sometimes producers will pick the biggest status bull and keep them back at branding or weaning time,” he says. “Sometimes what happens is, producers will keep this particular bull back for breeding, but they didn’t weigh him at birth and it creates issues on down the line.”

He adds, “Don’t use a cheap, home-raised bull on heifers or it may cause a wreck because of this.”

White notes a breeding soundness exam can help producers determine the effectiveness of a bull and his fertility, but genomic testing is also needed to determine the value of a breeding bull regardless of if they are raised or bought.

Finding best solutions

A Drovers Dec. 1, 2022 article titled, “Buy or Lease a Bull: What’s Best for Your Operation,” notes traditionally, many ranches will buy bulls, however, leasing bulls or utilizing artificial insemination (AI) are also options.

“Without a doubt, AI is a more labor-intensive breeding strategy. Yet, it’s another option to consider,” Lancaster adds.

“Comparable to leas-

Cain Rawhide 3582

ing, AI allows producers to attain high-quality genetics at a fraction of the price,” Lancaster says. “Additionally, the risk of biosecurity found in leasing is not an issue with AI, and it requires no feed costs compared to having a bull on the place. The use of a sire’s semen can also be changed or adjusted each year to avoid the breeding of a sire’s daughter.”

The article notes there is not a one-size-fits-all solution. One, or a combination of the following, may provide the best return for an operation.

Producers can calculate the cost of a bull per female pregnancy. For instance, buying a bull for $5,000 results in approximately 75 pregnancies, or 15 pregnancies over five breeding seasons, and equals approximately $67 per pregnancy, according to the article.

A leased bull for $1,500, breeding 15 females, equals $100 per pregnancy. A straw of semen can also be considered and can range in price.

The experts encourage producers to calculate the cost of feed and how much feed can be saved or used elsewhere by not owning a bull all year-round versus only during the breeding season.

Producers can also consider the opportunity cost in genetic potential by answering the following questions: how much are better, higher performing genetics worth to the operation? What is the operation’s end goal? Will the operation benefit from higher weaning weights or higher carcass quality?

Lastly, producers should consider the health of their herd and what biosecurity measures exist to ensure the herd remains healthy.

Brittany Gunn is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this

to rounup@wylr.net.

Chelsee Camblin photo

University of Wyoming Sublette County Extension

Educator Dagan Montgomery spoke to attendees on Feb. 8 during the Fremont County Farm and Ranch Days in Riverton about cattle rebreeding success in heifers who have had their first or second calf.

During his presentation he shared some research and studies from several sources which offered tips and best practices to help alleviate some of the issues producers have with replacement heifers.

Importance of rebreed

“Reproduction is four times more impactful and profitable than any other production trait,” said Montgomery. “There is a two- and one-half year development period where producers are putting in input efforts before they get any kind of return on their investment when they go to market with the first calf from a replacement heifer.”

Many producers in Wyoming are familiar with rebreed timelines. For replacement heifers, ranchers will typically breed at 12 to 14 months of age. She will birth her first calf at 22 to 24 months of age. The goal is to then rebreed her at least 82 days or less after her first calf, explained Montgomery.

He noted the reason why producers see onethird or more of their opens as first- and second-calf heifers is due to their longer postpartum interval (PPI) or the extended period from calving to first ovulation.

“Our goal as producers should be to shorten this PPI as much as we can,” he said.

He added it’s important to remember heifers calving late don’t have a lot of recovery time and are therefore a lot more likely to fail their rebreed or continue calving late throughout their life.

Overcoming challenges and BCS scores

One of the biggest issues with replacement heifers is they have a higher energy demand than older cows, he shared, and the replacement heifer’s first priority is to recover from birth and then provide milk for the calf they just had. Only if these needs are met can her body afford to be rebred.

“One of the easiest ways to monitor growth is to make sure they’re gaining as they should by keeping track of body condition scores (BCS),” said Montgomery. “It’s the most influential factor in determining how soon a heifer is going to cycle again after she has calved.”

He explained ranchers don’t have to go through every animal and write down a BCS number next to their identification tag, but he encouraged producers to pay attention to the herd’s overall BCS and make sure nothing is slipping below a BCS of five or six.

Additionally, he shared there’s a misconception when it comes to BCS. He mentioned some believe it’s better to have heifers that are thinner, at a lower BCS, during gestation, so when they go to have their calf, it will be smaller, and thus, easier to deliver.

“This really isn’t the case, because genetics is the main thing that’s going to determine how big the calf is when it’s born,” said Montgomery. “All we will do is cause her to be in a weakened state during labor. It’s going to be a lot harder for her to gain weight and keep lactating and get to where she needs to be weight-wise for the next breeding season.”

He shared a great resource for a three-step BCS guide for range cattle published by UW Extension, which can be found at wyoextension.org by click-

ing on “Publications” and searching “Body condition scoring.”

Early weaning

According to Montgomery, calves can be weaned as early as eight weeks old. They can be put on solid feed and don’t need milk, if done correctly.

“Early weaning can lead to a heavier, healthier replacement heifer by breeding season, increases conception rates and reduces overall forage needs because she doesn’t have a calf to nurse and will stop lactating sooner,” he said.

However, due to nutritional and health requirements, it’s really labor intensive to separate calves at this age, especially on extensive ranches common to Wyoming, he mentioned.

“This can be a last-ditch effort if producers have high-end heifers that have gone through a bad year, are really thin and producers need to get them back into the cow herd,” he said. “But, weaning first calves at four to six months is a lot easier and more achievable for most ranchers. This can still provide more days of rest and is going to lead to a better BCS for the heifer by the time she calves for the second time the following spring, placing her in a better position to be at good BCS for breeding in the summer.”

He said another option some producers have utilized would be to take calves at three months of age, put them into a contained feedlot situation and get them to a higher weight by the time they are seven months old.

“If it’s something a producer can pencil out and make work, this may be another option,” Montgomery shared.

Key points

Montgomery shared with attendees several beneficial key points.

He has found it can be

beneficial to keep replacement heifers separated from the rest of the cow herd. It not only helps focus on their higher nutritional needs, but it can also help breeding success.

“Separating first- and second-calf heifers from the main cow herd can be extremely beneficial under the right circumstances,” he said. “It can allow a producer to pair a specific calving-ease expected progeny difference bull with their first- or second-time heifers and having them separated

can help ranchers pay attention specifically to the BCS of replacements.”

He noted one of the biggest benefits of having them separated is the ability to keep a good eye on those replacement heifers when calving.

“Roughly 80 percent of an operation’s calving difficulty in the herd will often come from those firstor second-calf heifers,” mentioned Montgomery. “If a first- or second-time replacement heifer needs assistance, and they get

help within the first hour of labor, it will help them with breed-back rates later in the fall.”

In closing, he noted each operation will need to pencil out what will work best for them, but keeping an eye on BCS and providing extra supplementation when needed can help replacement heifers turn into great cows down the road.

Brittany Gunn is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

6 T remendous H erd P ros Pec T s

J Bar Stenberg Ranch

Like many seasonal tasks on a cattle operation, purchasing bulls is an annual responsibility.

Since herd bulls make up half of the future calf crop and significantly influence the profitability of an operation, it is imperative producers calculate the return of their investment when making the decision about which bulls to buy.

A Feb. 23 article titled “Bull Valuation: What is a bull worth to your operation?” coauthored by the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) and the Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation (Perennia), offers advice and tools for calculating the value of a bull.

An important investment

BCRC and Perennia note there are several factors influencing the profitability of a cow/calf operation which are significantly impacted by the genetics added to an operation when a new bull is brought in. These include total pounds of calves weaned and feed efficiency.

“A bull will contribute more to the genetics of a herd after a single breeding season than a cow will contribute over her entire lifespan,” reads the article.

Therefore, it is critical producers keep their production goals in mind when buying a bull.

BCRC and Perennia encourage producers to consider their future calf crop and ask themselves if they plan on developing their own heifers and if they intend to finish their animals on grass or in a feedlot.

“Each scenario requires different genetics to best suit the needs of an operation,” they say. “Just how much a person can justify spending on those genetics is a separate matter.”

Bull Valuation Calculator

“Any person who has gone to a bull sale knows there is a lot of variation in what bulls will sell for in a given sale. Bull prices have been going up in

recent years, so producers regularly have to make a fairly large capital investment,” states University of Saskatchewan Professional Research Associate Kathy Larson in a corresponding BCRC YouTube video.

Instead of simply basing these purchases off of what producers are willing to spend on the day of the sale, Larson says they should take advantage of tools and resources to help them make the best decision possible.

One such tool is BCRC’s Bull Valuation Calculator, a practical, decision-making tool to help producers estimate the breakeven price of a bull.

“From there, they can use this information to decide what they can afford to pay for an animal – it will provide a benchmark value to save as a guide when purchasing the best possible bull within this price range,” explains BCRC and Perennia.

The two organizations mention, since bull prices vary significantly, it can be difficult to determine a bull’s value without factoring in performance and management, and although the calculator does not account for genetic evaluation of individual animals, it does include details from these two factors.

Calculation example

In order to explain how the calculator works, BCRC and Perennia provide an example using data from a feeder sale in Atlantic, Canada and the Atlantic Cow/ Calf Survey.

First, they plug in expected weight of the calves in pounds, expected prices of calves in dollars per pound and expected weaning rates. For this example they use 525 pounds, $2.72 and 90 percent.

Next, the annual bull maintenance costs and salvage value are calculated and factored into the final bull value. This step requires information for days on winter feed, winter feed cost per day, winter feed cost

per year, veterinary cost per year, bull labor and yardage per year, pasture for bull per year and total cost.

Respective numbers in this example are 180 days, $1.50, $270, $100, $200, $250 and $820.

Lastly, information for cow-to-bull ratio and years of service is entered, including annual maintenance cost in dollars per year, cow-tobull ratio, years of service, bull salvage value in dollars, percentage of death loss and percentage of calf value attributed to the bull.

For this example, BCRC and Perennia use $820, 25:1, six years, $2,375, 3.8 percent and 5.5 percent, respectively.

Calculations through BCRC’s Bull Valuation Calculator, in this example, show the breakeven price for a bull servicing 25 cows over six years is $7,802.01, or $68.98 per calf.

“However, potentially increased management costs will also factor into the lifetime costs and profitability, and there may actually be fewer years of service if his daughters are being kept as replacements, requiring new genetics more often,” mentions the article. “In this scenario, changing the years of service to three years alters the bull value breakeven price to $5,208.74.”

Key points to consider

In conclusion, BCRC and Perennia note buying a less expensive bull doesn’t necessarily mean he is inferior, especially if his genetics are helping a producer advance the goals of their operation.

“Key points to consider are breeding goals and budget,” the organizations say. “However, since the herd bull has so much influence on calf crop, it very often is the case producers should be buying the best animal they can afford.”

Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

Pregnancy rates are the most important economic trait in cattle operations

In a Nov. 23, 2020 North Dakota State University (NDSU) Extension newsletter, NDSU Extension Veterinarian and Livestock Stewardship Specialist Dr. Gerald Stokka notes if producers had to assess the success of their cow herd based on a single statistic every year, it should be pregnancy rates.

“Beef cow pregnancy rates are important numbers to track because reproduction is the most important economic trait in a beef cow herd,” he states.

Dr. Jason Sawyer and Dr. Rick Machen of the King Ranch Institute of Ranch Management (KRIRM) agree, noting reproductive rates are the foundation of reproductive function on cow/calf operations.

“Obviously, if cows do not become pregnant, then no calves are produced for revenue generation the following year. Revenue from culled cows is not a result of production. It is the liquidation of an asset which must be replaced – usually at a higher price – if production is to continue,” they explain in the Spring 2020 KRIRM Newsletter.

“Pregnant cows must successfully produce a live calf, and live calves must be weaned and sold before production revenue is generated. It is intuitive improvements in reproductive success, or the prevention of reproductive failure, drive cow/calf enterprise productivity,” they add.

Misguided solutions

In order to reduce the rate of open cows on an operation, Stokka points out many producers use misguided solutions which actually don’t address the fundamental reason for low pregnancy rates, such as changing vaccination protocols.

“Meaningful discussion to find solutions requires a systematic approach to practical management recommendations,” he says, noting it is important for producers to provide veterinarians with information related to production on their operation.

This includes calving dates, pregnancy checking information by fetal age, cow body condition scores (BCS), cow age, cow BCS by age, cow age by pasture information, bull age, cows exposed per bull and length of the breeding season.

Additionally, they should provide information on biosecurity of the herd related to purchases, exposure to the main herd and exposures to neighboring cattle.

Calving season analysis

In addition to working closely with veterinarians to improve reproductive rates on their operation, Stokka recommends producers follow a six-step analysis to investigate where the fundamental issue lies.

The first three steps look at issues related to calving season.

First, Stokka says producers need to evaluate what time of year they calve their cows.

He notes cows which calve during late winter into early spring require more nutritional energy to breed back for the next breeding season. Comparatively, cows which calve late in the spring or early in the summer may experience a decrease in forage quality in late July and August, which can impact fertility.

Next, Stokka encourages producers to look at their calving season distribution and determine when the majority of their calves are born.

“Is it the first 21 days, the first 45 days, the last 30 days or scattered throughout the calving season?” he asks. “This information provides some evidence of inadequate bull power, which may be related to dominant bulls, lame bulls, injured bulls or inadequate BCS and cow nutrition during the breeding season.”

Stokka notes a large number of cows determined to be pregnant late in the breeding season may be an indication of reproductive disease such a vibrio or trichomoniasis.

The third step on the list is to determine the number of calves born related to the number of cows determined to be bred during pregnancy checking. According to Stokka, this number helps producers indicate fetal loss due to abortions – noticed or unnoticed – and stillbirths.

This number may also serve as an indication of fetal infections including bovine viral diarrhea, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, leptospirosis, neospora,

fungal infections and other possible pathogens. Additionally, fetal losses can be due to high nitrates in forage resources, Stokka notes.

Parent age and BCS

Steps four and five in Stokka’s six-step analysis look at cow BCS and the age of both cows and bulls.

Stokka says the fourth step asks, “What is cow BCS, and what is cow BCS by age?”

“Younger cows – two and three years of age – and cows more than 12 years old will generally carry less condition than middleaged cows,” he explains, further noting this has a direct relationship on their ability to rebreed and conceive the next season. “This is because young cows are still growing and lactating, and older cows will have more difficulty staying in condition because most of their incisor teeth will be missing.”

Next, he says producers should analyze the ages of their cows and bulls and how it relates to pasture assignments.

“Herds with younger or older cows in common pastures, regardless of bull numbers, will generally have a greater number of open cows,” he states.

While the number of cows exposed per bull is important, Stokka says bull age is even more important.

“Older and more dominant bulls tend to serve the majority of cows, so the number of bulls may not be as important as the age of all of the bulls in a pasture. Running two 14- to 16-month-old bulls with a single dominant, older bull technically counts as three bulls,” he explains.

However, in reality, Stokka notes this may only actually be the equivalent of running one and a half bulls because dominant bulls do the majority of the breeding.

He also mentions producers should invest in semen evaluations prior to breeding season, and in pastures with low pregnancy rates, bulls should be tested again after the

breeding season.

Biosecurity and vaccination

The sixth and final question Stokka says producers should ask themselves is if they make biosecurity and vaccination protocols a priority.

“All purchased cattle and other herd additions should have a testing and vaccination history. If not,

then implement quarantine procedures. Even with testing and vaccination, do not introduce new additions into the herd prior to the start of the calving season,” he concludes.

Hannah Bugas is the managing editor for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@ wylr.net.

heifer bull that combines Pacific with a Renown dam.

got good foot scores. No creep.

Early puberty attainment for heifers can be nutritionally influenced

“We can utilize nutrition to help push heifers to have the best opportunity to get bred early,” says Shelby Rosasco, University of Wyoming Extension beef specialist, during a Beef Reproduction Task Force webinar on Feb. 15, 2022.

“We can also utilize nutrition to make sure heifers are reproductively mature and reach puberty.”

Rosasco notes nutrition can be used to the advantage of ranchers when planning how to develop replacement heifers. Post-natal nutritional and developmental programming shows heifers can be nutritionally programmed during the first year of their lives.

“We can actually use nutrition to impact puberty attainment and potentially program the timing of the onset of puberty attainment. We can also potentially program the ovarian reserve,” Rosasco adds.

Puberty attainment Management decisions can certainly impact puberty attainment, emphasizes Rosasco, who notes data shows nutrition can impact puberty attainment both pre- and post-weaning.

“When we really get into the data, we see we can have a pretty significant impact on the timing of puberty and program when puberty is going to occur with some pre-weaning nutrition,” she explains.

“We have really important developmental windows early in life.”

The pre-pubertal period from four to roughly eight months of age can be a target to ensure heifers have the best opportunity to attain puberty and decrease the age at which

puberty is attained.

“A study by Gasser and others in 2006 tried to answer the question of whether early weaning could hasten puberty,” Rosasco explains.

In the study, heifers were assigned to one of three treatments: early weaning and a high-concentrate diet, early weaning and a controlled diet and normal weaning with a controlled diet. In early weaning, heifers were weaned at 104 days.

“The timing of puberty was really similar between our early weaned control and normal weaned heifers. We didn’t necessarily have a significant decrease in the age at puberty attainment or hasten when puberty onset occurred,” she summarizes.

Power. Performance. Profitability

“But, in our early weaned heifers fed a highconcentrate diet, we can see a significant decrease in the mean age at puberty, so we were able to hasten puberty by target feeding a highconcentrate diet early in life in these heifers,” she adds. Research

Cardoso and others looked at utilizing a stairstep nutrition regimen with the goal of programming puberty attainment. All the heifers were weaned at 3.5

months of age and placed on one of four treatment diets –a low control aimed at one pound per day of gain, high control aimed at gaining 2.2 pounds per day – stair-step one and stair-step two.

The stair-step diets were targeted to program the onset of puberty attainment. Stair-step one started at a high rate of gain, then dropped to a low rate, repeating the sequence a second time, while stairstep two reversed the treat-

ment of stair-step one, starting with a low rate of gain.

The group fed a low control diet aimed at gaining one pound per day saw a decrease in the number of heifers attaining puberty, as well as the age of puberty attainment, compared to the high controls and the stairstep treated heifers.

The high control and the stair-step one heifers had similar results, attaining puberty early on, between 10 and 12 months of age.

The majority of heifers on the stair-step two diet attained puberty between 11 and 13 months of age.

“This suggests timing of puberty can be controlled or manipulated by nutritional management,” Rosasco explains. “We know we can impact puberty based on when we feed levels of a high-concentrate diet or target nutrition. Increased nutrition between four and six months of age had a greater influence on accelerating puberty.”

Rosasco warns, “We want to also be cognizant we don’t have periods of precocious puberty because this can certainly be detrimental to performance and is not recommended. Targeting a higher rate of gain between six and nine months of age, targeted to achieve puberty between 11 and 14 months of age, avoided increased incidents of precocious puberty.”

Cattle breed influence Rosasco notes puberty attainment may be more of a challenge in Bos taurus and Bos indicus cattle.

“In Bos taurus cattle, we have done a good job in putting selection pressure on puberty attainment,” she explains. “We know we don’t have as many issues with puberty attainment in our British animals as we see in Bos indicus animals.”

Using these nutritional regimens can be helpful, however, if puberty attainment is a challenge in the herd.

Saige Zespy is a corresponding writer for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

Breeding soundness exams are crucial to setting bulls up for success

“Bulls make up onehalf of the genetics of a herd, and conducting a breeding soundness exam (BSE) can really steer an operation in the right direction as far as reproduction and fertility go,” states Merck Animal Health Veterinarian Dr. Roy Lewis during the second webinar of the Beef Cattle Research Council’s (BCRC) Record Keeping for Production Management informational series.

During the webinar, Lewis discusses the value of conducting BSEs.

“I know I’m preaching to the converted, but I hope I can give producers – commercial and purebred alike – some tips and tricks to help conduct BSEs on their operations,” he adds.

Components of a BSE

Lewis explains during a BSE, veterinarians measure and evaluate scrotal circumference, semen quality, semen morphology, libido and other physical characteristics important for breeding, such as soundness of feet and legs.

“All breeds have a minimum for scrotal size based on breed characteristics and age, which I believe are right on the money. These numbers have been extensively researched and substantiated, and I firmly believe in them,” he says.

Although scrotal circumference is correlated to sperm motility, percentage of normal sperm and the age at which a bull’s daughters reach puberty, Lewis notes problems arise when testicles are too big.

“Scrotums measuring over 50 centimeters, don’t last. They break down or get caught on things. There are a lot of problems that can arise,” he says.

For libido evaluation, Lewis says it really comes down to the opinion of the producer. Since there isn’t an exact measure for this component of a BSE, it depends on the producer’s confidence in each bull on their ability and desire to breed.

“A very important component of a BSE is to serve as a good physical soundness exam,” Lewis continues. “It’s important bulls can travel, so we want to watch them walk. While we are collecting semen, we should take a good look at the bull’s feet and legs.”

Veterinarians will also be on the lookout for physical defects of reproductive organs, such as persistent frenulums, warts, cuts, hair rings, etc.

“These issues are not very common,” he says. “When we find them there is a good chance we can correct the problem right away, and the bull will still be good for breeding.”

“Persistent frenulums

are genetic, which isn’t much of an issue for commercial breeders because they can still breed fine,” he continues. “However, I would advise purebred breeders from buying bulls with this defect.”

As far as semen testing goes, Lewis says both quality and morphology are important to evaluate.

He explains this includes looking for sperm malformations, such as head defects or coiled tails, which makes it impossible for sperm to swim.

Equipment and facilities

According to Lewis, the equipment and facilities used to conduct a BSE are essential to the process.

While working facilities don’t have to be anything fancy, he notes it is imperative to handle bulls calmly, quietly and slowly.

In order to keep the process as stress-free as possible, he says he likes to leave bulls loose in the chute, without catching their heads.

“I’ve found they stand better this way,” he states. “I don’t like to catch their heads unless they are really high strung. It’s important to work them slow and steady.”

Lewis also notes it’s important to have good, reliable equipment when conducting a BSE.

“Like any equipment, some brands are better than others, and every new model is a little bit better than the last,” he says.

Other considerations

Before concluding his presentation, Lewis offers

a few considerations for producers to keep in mind while conducting a BSE.

First, he encourages producers to take care of other management practices while bulls are in the chute.

“In general, bulls are a little bit harder to handle. So, if there is anything else a producer needs to do –vaccinate, treat parasites, retag, etc. – it is a great opportunity to do so,” he says.

Additionally, Lewis notes some bulls are harder to collect than others for a number of different reasons.

For bulls that are refractory to the electroejaculation probe, he suggests using a simple massaging technique, and for bulls that are hard to stimulate, he recommends letting them breed an actual cow, then drawing out the semen from the vaginal canal.

“BSEs are really a winwin,” Lewis concludes. “Producers are able to identify and eliminate problem bulls, and they don’t have to deal with the consequences of selling these problem bulls. It is also beneficial for people who purchase bulls because they know bulls are adequate as far as fertility goes, and they can have confidence in these bulls moving forward.”

Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@ wylr.net.

Chelsee Camblin photo

Researchers study sire distribution of FTAI versus natural service

A group of Kansas State University (KSU) researchers, including KSU Professors Dr. Karol Fike and Dr.

David Grieger, alongside Graduate Students Esther McCabe, Ashley Hartman and Devin Jacobs,

recently conducted a study to determine the relative percentages of calves sired by either natural-service sires or fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) within the same estrous period.

“Use of FTAI followed by the immediate exposure of females to bulls for natural service can be a useful management strategy for commercial cow/calf producers to limit labor and time related to bull turnout and increase pregnancy rates earlier in the season,” the researchers note.

“Considering influence of bull fertility, as well as the time to and length of estrus in females, the expectation for outcomes of natural-service sire versus artificial-insemination (AI) sire parentage is relatively unknown,” they continue. “Our objective was to determine the relative percentages of calves sired by either a natural-service or FTAI sire within the same estrous period.”

The study and results, titled “Sire Distribution of Calves in a Beef Herd with Use of Fixed Time Artificial Insemination Followed by Immediate Bull Exposure for Natural Service in Cows and Heifers,” was published in the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Report volume

nine, issue one. The study

According to the research report, this study took place over the course of two consecutive years on a commercial Angus operation in Kansas using cows and heifers from a single producer.

During this time, heifers and cows were synchronized and inseminated using the seven-day COSynch + controlled internal drug release (CIDR) FTAI protocol, in which heifers were AI’d 52 to 56 hours after the removal of the CIDR and prostaglandin injection and cows were AI’d 60 to 66 hours later. The same AI technician was used both years.

Immediately following insemination, all of the females were exposed to natural-service bulls for 90 days, heifers to one sire and cows to another. Both bulls passed a breeding soundness exam before they were exposed to females.

After calving, DNA was collected from a random subset of calves born in the first 21 days of the calving season for parentage analysis.

In year one, 59 calves were born from heifers in the study, and in year two, calves born from heifers totaled 82. Additionally, calves born from cows totaled 89 in the first year of the study, and during the second year, 102 calves were born from cows.

During the first year of the study, among calves born from heifers, the percentage sired by natural service was 5.1 percent, or three of 59. Among calves born from cows, the percentage sired by natural service was 14.6 percent, or 13 of 89.

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During the second year, the percentage of calves born from heifers and sired by natural service was 9.8 percent, or eight of 82, and the percentage of calves born from cows and sired by natural service was 20.6 percent, or 21 of 102.

Results and implications

“The percentage of calves born from naturalservice sires in year one was less than in year two for both cows and heifers,” the researchers point

out. “Although naturalservice sires sired varying percentages of calves, it is unknown if those calves were additional pregnancies early in the breeding season or if other factors influenced fertilization and resulted in fewer AI-sired calves.”

They refer to previous studies which have shown pregnancy rates increased with FTAI along with immediate exposure to natural-service sires in heifers when compared to natural service alone and increased conception rates of AI compared to natural service in cows.

“These studies, however, did not assess parentage of calves to determine if they were sired by an AI sire or a natural-service sire,” they noted.

Therefore, the researchers conclude if commercial producers use FTAI followed by immediate bull exposure in heifers, natural-service sires may sire five to 10 percent of the calves born early in the season. In cows, producers may expect 15 to 20 percent of calves born early in the season to be sired by natural service.

“This data provides estimates of the parentage of calves from AI and natural-service sires with use of FTAI followed by immediate bull exposure,” they say.

“This strategy can reduce time and additional steps related to bull turnout and increase pregnancies earlier in the breeding season.”

Hannah Bugas is the managing editor for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@ wylr.net.

Johne’s, pronounced “yo-knees,” disease is a slowly progressive bacterial infection, which causes wasting in cattle and other ruminants. Although mistakenly thought of as a dairy cattle disease, Johne’s disease affects both commercial and purebred beef cattle.

The cause of Johne’s disease is a Mycobacterium avium subspecies, known as paratuberculosis (MAP). There is no cure for Johne’s disease, so if producers are purchasing bulls or replacement heifers, they need to do their due diligence to avoid accidentally introducing Johne’s disease into their herd.

Disease transmission

Calves can be born infected, but the disease is most commonly transmitted from adult cattle to young calves in the first six months of life.

Calves can ingest MAP bacteria in multiple ways: on contaminated teats, nursing colostrum or milk from an infected cow and licking bedding or other manure contaminated surfaces.

Susceptibility to Johne’s disease decreases with age, and adults over one year of age are least susceptible to infection.

Infected animals eventually shed the bacteria in their manure, perpetuating

the disease. MAP bacteria can contaminate calving jugs, and it can survive for up to 18 months in damp environments.

Course and symptoms

Johne’s disease causes a gradual thickening of the gastrointestinal tract, progressively inhibiting affected animals’ ability to absorb nutrients and fluid.

Affected cattle begin to lose weight, despite having a normal appetite. The manure consistency changes to intermittent diarrhea and then progresses to severe diarrhea. Death occurs due to dehydration and cachexia, also known as wasting.

Infected cattle do not usually show signs of Johne’s disease until two to five years of age. Because of this long incubation period, it can be years before producers realize their herd is infected. In the meantime, cattle may be culled for other reasons, such as reproductive failure, before showing signs of Johne’s disease.

Types of testing

Unless testing is performed, Johne’s disease can exist undetected in a herd for years. The only way to confirm a herd does not have Johne’s disease is to test.

Tests for the disease can either identify the MAP bacteria causing Johne’s disease or identify the animal’s

antibody response to MAP infection in their blood or milk.

Two diagnostic tests are available to identify MAP bacteria – culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests.

Culture tests isolate the bacterium from manure, tissue or environmental samples, while PCR tests look for MAP DNA in samples.

MAP bacteria grow slowly, so culture results can take months. Because of faster turn-around time, PCR testing has become the test of choice to identify MAP bacteria, usually in a manure sample.

The test used to look for antibodies in the blood of an animal is an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. The ELISA test provides a numeric result. Typically, the higher the number, the more likely the animal is truly infected and shedding MAP.

ELISA test kits are also available for testing milk samples from individual cows.

In animals showing signs of Johne’s disease the PCR and ELISA tests are equally effective. As with all diagnostic tests, false positive and false negative results can occur.

Due to the complexity of Johne’s disease, assistance from the diagnostic

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lab and a veterinarian is recommended to interpret test results. Whole-herd testing is strongly recommended if any animal in the herd has been diagnosed with Johne’s disease.

Identifying animals in need of testing

There is no test to identify Johne’s disease in the early stages of infection. Only adult cattle 18 months of age and older will shed MAP bacteria reliably in manure and have detectable antibodies. Thus, testing is only recommended for adult cattle.

In cases when younger cattle are being purchased, herd test results can be used as guidance. Cattle buyers should ask the producer if they test for Johne’s disease and if they have had any positive cases in the past five to 10 years.

Individuals selling cattle can use herd test records or a statement from their

veterinarian to demonstrate their herd’s Johne’s disease status.

Treatment options

There is no cure for Johne’s disease, and it does not respond to antibiotics or diet changes.

Once Johne’s disease is introduced to a herd, control measures can be taken to reduce spread, but elimination of the disease requires a test and cull program, which takes years.

Economic impacts

Johne’s disease is associated with substantial economic losses.

It is not just the animals with wasting and diarrhea affecting the bottom line. Infection with Johne’s disease impacts the health of animals before they show clinical signs.

Reproductive costs include decreased pregnancy rates and increased calving intervals. Affected animals have decreased

milk production, increased susceptibility to other diseases, poor feed conversion and reduced weight at slaughter. This can culminate in premature culling –a major cost.

Johne’s is a reportable disease in Wyoming. Any Johne’s disease positive animal should be euthanized on the farm or taken directly to slaughter, and not sold, to minimize spread of disease.

Conclusion

Johne’s disease is much easier to prevent than to eliminate. Individuals should ask about a herd’s Johne’s disease testing history before purchasing animals, and should test adult cattle before introducing them into their herd.

Dr. Teckla Webb is the Wyoming assistant state veterinarian-field operations. She can be reached by e-mailing lsbforms-applications@wyo.gov.

What’s the big deal with these composite bulls, anyway? And why should producers use them in their cow herd?

“Those are two very valid questions,” says Dr. Bob Weaber, a geneticist and head of Kansas State University’s Eastern Kansas Research and Extension Centers.

For the answers, he says to look at the female side of the equation because this is where composite bulls help commercial cow/calf producers realize the benefits of heterosis without the headaches of a more complex crossbreeding program.

“Heterosis is the extra

boost in performance we get above the average of the straightbred parents’ expected performance,” he says. “We get our biggest boost in performance due to heterosis in lowly heritable traits, like cow longevity and fertility.”

And, given today’s cost in developing replacement heifers, cow longevity is more important now than ever before.

Indeed, cow longevity and fertility are two of the most important economic traits in a commercial cow herd, without question. This is because producers can’t sell a calf that was never born. And, the longer

a cow stays in the herd, the more her calves return economic value to the rancher.

Typical crossbreeding programs, however, can be complicated and difficult to implement, especially if producers want to realize genetic improvement by retaining heifers. This is why Weaber thinks incorporating composite genetics like LimFlex into a breeding program is a good fit.

LimFlex composites can have 25 to 75 percent Limousin genetics, with the remainder being registered Angus or registered Red Angus.

“It’s very easy to

implement, and the bulls come with the crossbreeding system already built in,” he says. “The commercial producer doesn’t have to do anything extra in terms of breeding pastures or identifying replacement heifers by breed of their sire. It’s as simple as straight breeding.”

Composite bulls also allow cattlemen to benefit when the breeds selected possess complementary traits like Limousin and Angus do. Coupled with heterosis, it adds even more to a commercial herd’s economic potential.

“So, producers can expect a 13 to 15 percent

“Docility and calving ease are the two numberone things for a commercial rancher. The docility of LimFlex is really great, but calving ease is top of the line. A cow has to be able to produce a calf without a lot of problems.” –

Shane Whiting, Utah cattleman

improvement in weaning weight per cow exposed using a LimFlex breeding program, for example,” he says. Real world results

This is what commercial cow/calf producers across the country have found.

In fact, Shane Whiting and his two sons run nearly 1,000 commercial cows in northeast Utah near Roosevelt – all LimFlex, bulls and cows alike. His operation is testimony to how Limousin genetics have changed and improved over the years.

“Docility and calving ease are the two numberone things for a commercial rancher,” Whiting says. “The docility of LimFlex is really great, but calving ease is top of the line. A cow has to be able to produce a calf without a lot of problems.”

Beyond this, Whiting appreciates the longevity and fertility of his cows.

“We run all of our cows until they turn 12 years of age,” he says, noting they have a 60-day breeding and calving season. “Our conception rate with LimFlex cattle has run 95 to 96 percent consecutively for up to 20 years now.”

He also appreciates his cows have a moderate frame size, yet they milk well.

“We have better longevity, and we have a better bag,” he says.

Then there’s payday. Whiting has carcass data on thousands of head beginning in 2014. During this year, his calves came down the rail grading 94 percent Choice and Prime.

“Now we’re at 97 percent, and the feedyard thinks we have peaked out,” Whiting shares.

Looking at data from the Meat Animal Research Center in Clay Center, Neb. helps explain why Whiting’s LimFlex cows perform well on a diet of mostly grass and grass hay.

According to the research, Limousin-sired heifers had lower feed intake – 3.25 pounds per head per day – than Angus, Weaber notes. The Limousin heifers also had lower body weight gain – about 0.3 pounds per head per day.

“There was no statistical difference in feed efficiency, yet there was lower intake. This is likely tied to the expected lower mature weights on these females,” Weaber says.

Citing other research, Weaber points out Limousin females had the lowest

mature cow weight among 10 breeds, with weights corrected for breed effect and contrasted to Angus.

Drought insurance

“We’ve been tested pretty hard as far as weather the last handful of years,” says Shane Anderson, a cow/calf producer from Towner, N.D. “We’ve mostly dealt with drought and feeding a lot of poorquality roughages, but they seem to be holding up.”

Anderson says throughout all of the years he’s used LimFlex genetics, he sees more consistency in the conformation and disposition of the cattle.

“I’ve had a lot of confidence in LimFlex females as far as calving ease and calf vigor when they get up and get going. They’re a herd that doesn’t require a lot of attention in the spring, and that’s a big seller for me,” he says.

Anderson notes he’ll come back with LimFlex bulls on his replacement heifers.

“I’m getting some thickness in the calves –some muscle. So, on the steer side, these percentage LimFlex cattle are producing some thick-made feeder calves,” he says. “I’m happy with the selection I’m finding in the LimFlex breed as far as bulls hitting my maternal needs as well as ones which hit the benchmark as far as feeder calves and performance I expect from them.”

What’s more, Anderson is impressed with the longevity of LimFlex females. Because of ongoing drought, he culled pretty deep, but says there are still some females in his herd producing at 12 to 13 years old.

“They’re bringing in a decent calf, and they’re still running out with the middle-age cows. Their condition holds up well, and they’re still bringing a calf in,” he shares.

When the time does come to rotate old cows out of the herd, their condition and ability to yield adds value at the sale barn.

He says, “I still want some salvage value, and even at 12 or 13 years of age, they sell just as they would if they were five, six or seven years old. They look good.”

Burt Rutherford is the director of content and senior editor of BEEF Magazine. He can be reached at burt.rutherford@penton.com. This article was originally published by the North American Limousin Foundation and can be found at nalf.org