On-Test Newsletter, 2008 Summer Test

May 21, 2008

Attached are delivery and on-test data for 121 bulls and 14 get-of-sire groups being evaluated in the 2008 Summer Test. Bulls were delivered on April 29. On-test data were recorded on May 20 (21-day adjustment period). Scrotal circumference (SC) was measured at delivery (1 cm = .3937 in.), whereas hip height was measured on May 20. Bulls were delivered from owners in seven states: Indiana, California, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

All bulls were treated on May 20 with Ivomec Pour-on for control of internal and external parasites. Also, the second injection of wart vaccine was administered on May 20. We appreciate the support and cooperation of Merial for providing ear tags and Ivomec.

Fifteen bulls were treated during the adjustment period, 12 for respiratory and 3 for foot problems. On May 20, bulls were evaluated and a total of 8 head were treated with subpar performance and showed signs of respiratory type problems.

During the pre-test period, the bulls were fed a TMR of chopped hay, corn silage, cracked corn, DDGS and balancer. The bulls have come on feed well. Current intake is 13.6 lbs corn silage, 8.7 lbs concentrate (cracked corn, DDGS and balancer) and 6.7 lbs chopped hay. Daily gain during the adjustment period was 3.74 lbs for the entire group, but varied considerably among individual bulls and among pens.

We appreciate the assistance of those who helped collect on-test data: Officers and Directors: Byron Fagg, Jerry Roberts, Jim Day, and Robert Wubben; Extension Educators: Brad Shelton, David Redman, Jim Ade, and Adrienne Held; Feldun-Purdue Ag. Center Personnel: Richard Huntrods, Sam Perry, Dan Perry, Roger Bartlett, and John Dillman; Others: Andy Boston, Paul Ooley and Tom Shirley. Drs. Larry Horstman and Jerry Rusch were on hand to evaluate health status, treat bulls as needed, and administer wart vaccine.

The number of bulls and breed averages are:

    Delivery On Test    

Breed

No. of Bulls

Wt., lbs.

SC, cm.

Wt., lbs.

Hip Ht., in.

FS1

ADG during Adjustment

Angus

90
769
29
846
47.1
5.4
3.69

Charolais

1
606
24
742
47.8
5.9
6.48

Gelbvieh Balancer

4
598
25
684
46.0
5.4
4.10

Hereford

2
713
30
777
48.4
5.7
3.05

SimAngus

16
695
27
782
46.4
5.6
4.14

Simmental

8
796
28
864
46.8
5.5
3.24

All Bulls

121
753
29
832
47.0
5.4
3.74

1 Frame Score was calculated using the BIF Formula (Eighth Edition), and is based on the bull's age and hip height on May 20.

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