2016 Midland Bull Test

Wyoming Livestock Roundup

Page A1

2016 MIDLAND BULL TEST Columbus, Montana April 6-8, 2016

APRIL 6 Gelbvieh, Salers, Simmental

APRIL 7 Red Angus, South Devon, Hereford

APRIL 8 Black Angus

A publication of:

2016 Midland Bull Test Edition

Page A2

In 54th year, Midland Bull Test brings consistency, high quality Columbus, Mont. – “Midland’s goal is to have every bull sold make a positive economic impact on herds across the U.S. and be backed by a quality-oriented program,” says Steve Williams at Midland Bull Test.

Over 1,000 bulls tested from consignors across the U.S., the top 70 percent set to sell April 6-8 at the Midland Bull Test. The Test continues to emphasize “Genetics Made for Ranchers, By Ranchers,” through the use of efficiency, balanced performance and complete and comprehensive data.

Balanced performance includes a focus on sensible

birth weights, early maturity, functional maternal traits, economical weights, compatible carcass merits and a phenotype that enhances these economic traits.

“Considering that yearling bulls bought in the spring won’t sire a weaned calf until the next fall and daughters of these bulls won’t go into production for two years, it is no light matter,” Williams says.

“Look at the dam production records on the Midland Bulls. It is unmatched.

There is no other sale that offers buyers as strong an offering as the composite maternal growth bulls at Midland.”

Midland Bull Test schedule With 53 years behind them, Midland Bull Test is bringing a full slate of activities to the 2016 sale, beginning on April 5. The schedule of events is provided below.

Tuesday, April 5 6 p.m. – Social 6:30 p.m. – Steak Fry, with Rich Haines, owner of Independent Ag Network Wednesday, April 6 12 noon – Salers Bull Sale, followed by Simmental and Gelbvieh Bull Sales 6 p.m. – Social 6:30 p.m. – Steak Fry, with Annie Daniels Band Thursday, April 7 12 noon – Red Angus Bull Sale, followed by South Devon and Hereford Bull Sales 6 p.m. – Social 6:30 p.m. – Steak Fry, with High Country Cowboys Friday, April 8 10:30 a.m. – Awards and Presentations 11 a.m. – Angus Bull Sale

Testing bulls Williams explains, “The primary reason we have beef cattle is to convert roughage, and identifying the most efficient cattle for this trait provides a great opportunity for ranchers.”

He further notes that, of the major performance tests in the Northwest, Midland presently feeds the highest percentage of roughage in its ration, at least 70 percent and usually more, while aiming for a three to 3.5 pound per day gain.

“Test bulls are developed in pens the size of football fields over the test course of 120 days to insure sound, functional bulls that have the longevity to stay in breeding programs,” he says.

Bulls are weighed on and off test twice for accuracy and weighed twice in between. Reports are generated for each weigh day and mailed out to consignors and prospective buyers.

During the test, all bulls are ultrasounded for ribeye, backfat and intramuscular fat scores. Ultrasound and residual feed intake (RFI) data are also posted on the website.

Further, all bulls are semen tested, and their scrotal circumference is measured.

The objective – complete, comprehensive data collected, includes in-herd

and across-herds information with expected progeny differences (EPDs), ratios and actual individual comparisons on test, measuring performance from birth through yearling and fertility, ribeye and backfat – hard facts for today’s ranchers.

Continuing the legacy Williams adds that the work done today at Midland Bull Test represents the legacy of Leo McDonnell, Sr., who started the test in 1962 with a small group of purebred breeders.

He explains, “This concept of weighing and measuring cattle and publishing the resulting data as far as birth weights, weaning weights, gain-ability, dam’s production and yearling weights was not met favorably by most of the purebred industry nationally.”

In an effort to continue to define, refine and promote performance as the primary tool for managing profitability, Midland Bull Test has stayed strong throughout the course of history, with a reputation for providing top quality stock.

“Proven through competition, Midland bulls are unsurpassed in providing more trait leaders in

“The primary reason we have beef cattle is to convert roughage, and identifying the most efficient cattle for this trait provides a great opportunity for ranchers.” – Steve Williams, Midland Bull Test the major breeds than any other breeder, test station or the combined effort of the major stock shows,” Williams says.

Sale information With the test slated for April 6-8 at the Midland Bull Test Station in Columbus, Mont., the week will also feature a nightly steak fry. On April 6, the Salers, Simmental and Gelbvieh bulls will sell, with a start time of 12 noon. The Red Angus, South Devon and Herefords will sell the following day, also starting at 12 noon.

Finally, the Angus bulls will round out the event in a sale on April 8 beginning at 11 a.m. Immediately before the Angus Bull Sale, awards and presentations will begin at 10:30 a.m.

For 2016, Joe Goggins and Roger Jacobs will serve as auctioneers for the event.

This year, the sale will also be broadcast online at frontierstockyards.com.

Buyers must pre-register to bid online, and Frontier Stockyards emphasizes that

Index to results The top-performing bulls from the Midland Bull Test are ranked by breed over the next several pages. The following index provides a quick reference to finding results.

Angus – Pages A4-6 Red Angus – Pages A7-8 Hereford – Page A10 Gelbvieh – Page A10 Salers – Page A9 Simmental – Page A8 South Devon – Pages A11 The rest of this edition includes information on a variety of bull and cattle management topics, ranging from breeding and bull selection to forages and supplementation.

buyer registration does not carry over from year to year or sale to sale.

Sale order is determined using the Midland Bull Test Index and Estimated Sale Value. The sale order will be posted in advance of the sale, and an online catalog will be available.

Bids may also be placed over the phone, but advance registration is still required. More information on remote bidding options is available at midlandbulltest.com.

On sale day, call 406322-5597, 406-322-9044 or 406-322-9911 with any questions.

“Buyers would have to go to a dozen bull sales or more to find as many top bulls from top producing cows as they will see at Midland in one day,” Williams comments. “One of the nicest compliments we receive each year from the buyers at Midland is the fact they can purchase high quality bulls all the way through the sale. Many of the bulls that sell at Midland would be used to start most production sales. This is why many of the top performance cowherds, both seedstock and commercial, have been consignors or buyers at Midland. There is a difference.”

Saige Albert, managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup, compiled this article from information in the Midland Bull Test catalog and website.

Send comments to saige@ wylr.net.

Performance Plus

Bull-Proof

Including the #2 ADG White Tag Group 1 G #2 ADTa g Whiteup 1 Gro

CAIN TEN X 4255 OF PAR 12-15-14

New Insecticide Strips

by AAR Ten X 7008 S A

ADG

Rat.

WDA

YR

IND

SC

4.32

130

3.15

107

115

39.5

EFF 122

BW

WW

Milk

YW

365

REA

IMF

2.2

59

24

113

1279

101

112

Adj. 205 day weight - 745#.

Lot 292 Out of a first calf heifer. His WW EPD is in the top 15

Portable

CAIN TEN X 8195 1-31-15

Calf-friendly

and his YW EPD is top 5 .

by AAR Ten X 7008 S A

ADG

Rat.

WDA

YR

IND

SC

EFF

3.71

111

3.43

105

108

40.0

107

BW

WW

Milk

YW

365

REA

IMF

1.1

61

30

106

1255

117

113

Adj. 205 day weight - 792#.

He is top 10 WW, YW, Milk, CW Top 5 Top 15 Marb, W, F, Dam Prod 5 NR 107 3 YR 103

Lot 294

Also Selling 1 Son of Diablo Complete 6106 Lot Birth BW WW Milk YW ADG RAT WDA YR 365 295 2-19-15 2.0 40 25 76 3.39 102 3.09 93 1117

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

www.wildwestangus.com

IND SC EFF REA IMF 97 35.0 103 107 108

Wild West Angus

Wyoming Livestock Roundup

Page A3

Midland honors legacy in 54th year of annual bull test and sale

By Steve Williams and Leo and Sam McDonnell

It is our honor and pleasure to invite you to the 54th Annual Midland Bull Test (MBT). MBT has a rich history that has grown in tandem with the technological advances of the cattle industry.

More personally, it is our legacy! With over 50 years under our belts, we are accustomed to the inherent evolution of growth including assessment, planning, implementation and re-evaluation.

We are steadfast in seeking new ways to provide better analytics and more value in a cost feasible manner.

Currently, we have our eye on enhancing our understanding of herdbased data by compiling efficiency EPDs and feed

efficiencies for multiple years. Using Growsafe data to develop herd trends allows the producer to more readily ascertain the positive and negative results of their selection choices and will afford the opportunity to detect and re-direct when warranted.

For a bull to qualify for the sale, it must be balanced across the board in terms of performance from weaning to yearling. Many buyers comment that they appreciate that the bulls are already sorted and have passed multiple criteria and parameters before being qualified to be top sale bulls. We provide buyers with objective data that includes birth weight, weaning weight, 205-day weight, adjusted 365-day

weight, ultrasound data and feed efficiency data.

At MBT, we do a lot of sifting for you, with only the top 70 to 80 percent of the bulls qualifying to sell.

Yes, it is a lot of data to review, but it is all there for you to make a sound, objective, data driven decision to decide which bulls meets the needs of your program.

Further, the Search-A-Bull option is up on the website, where you can enter the criteria you are looking for, and it will help narrow down your selection process.

With so much change coming at us all so fast, it’s reassuring that some things remain the same.

You’ll find that same feeling of timelessness at MBT,

where you’ll find an unparalleled collection of bulls all developed in the most positive, sound environment possible. Every bull is developed to provide you years of proud ownership and useful service.

That’s the way things

have been since Leo, Sr. and Grandma Donna developed MBT in the 60s, and that’s the way we’ll stay.

Whenever you see the Circle Running M Brand, you can be confident that more than 54 years stand behind it.

If you have any questions regarding the bulls or the MBT Program, we would be more than happy to discuss them with you.

Thank you for your interest in Midland Bull Test! We look forward to seeing you at the sales.

Top cattle - The top 700 bulls from this year's Midland Bull Test are slated to sell during the three-day sale event in early April. Courtesy photo

Selling 8 Sons of Connealy Capitalist 028

GranGer delivers 'VMM #SPUIFST 0VU PG B (SFBU 'BMMT %BVHIUFS #6 WhiteWDA GroupTag 2

(SBOHFS 1PXFSMJOF

(SBOHFS 1PXFSMJOF

Lot 404 2-23-15 ADG

Lot 403

by PA Power Tool 9108 RAT

WDA

YR

C C C Capitalist 5224

2-18-15

IND

SC

ADG

RAT

WDA

YR

IND

SC

4.04

121

3.73

113

114

37.0

3.86

116

3.54

107

111

36.5

BW

WW

Milk

YW

365

EFF

BW

WW

Milk

YW

365

EFF

-0.4

71

29

129

1365

107

1.7

66

27

123

1294

107

$&% t #

Dam Prod 1 NR 114

(SBOHFS 1PXFSIPVTF

(SBOHFS #VDL 'JGUZ

Lot 52

by PA Power Tool 9108

2-12-15

ADG

Rat

WDA

YR

IND

SC

3.42

102

2.94

92

102

36.0

BW

WW

Milk

YW

365

Eff

-3.0

44

20

81

1090

109

IMF 128 He is in the top 3% of the Angus breed for calving ease.

Maternal Grandam Production /3 t :3

C C C Capitalist 5206 ADG

Rat

WDA

YR

IND

SC

3.49

105

3.27

BW

WW

Milk

99

102

35.0

YW

365

1.6

55

22

91

Eff

1187

94

3&" t *.'

His dam is a Pathfinder dam.

Maternal Grandam Production /3 t :3

Lot 56

2-14-15

C C C Capitalist 5237 ADG

Rat

WDA

YR

IND

SC

3.50

105

3.21

100

101

37.0

CZ &9"3 1PXFSIPVTF #

BW

WW

Milk

YW

365

Eff

SC

ADG

RAT

WDA

YR

IND

SC

1.3

54

20

91

1203

92

34.0

3.41

103

3.38

107

104

42.0

EFF

BW

WW

Milk

YW

365

EFF

102

3.7

67

29

115

1297

98

Lot 406

Lot 408

CZ (SBOHFS #MBDL $FEBS ADG

RAT

WDA

YR

IND

3.44

108

3.29

100

102

BW

WW

Milk

YW

365

1.1

55

25

97

1192

(SBOEBN JT EBN PG -PU /3 t :3

%BN 1SPE /3 t :3

Lot 58

Maternal Grandam Production /3 t :3

2-15-15 5 Additional Sons

"EEJUJPOBM 4POT PG 1" 1PXFS 5PPM Lot

Birth

BW

WW

Milk

YW

ADG

Rat

WDA

YR

365

IND

SC

EFF

400

2-10-15

1.5

56

35

106

3.21

101

3.35

102

1219

101

34.5

99

401

2-11-15

1.2

56

32

99

3.56

112

3.38

103

1230

107

38.0

110

"EEJUJPOBM 4PO PG &9"3 1PXFSIPVTF #

Lot 50 2-9-15 ADG 3.19 • Rat 96 • WDA 3.07 • YR 95 • 365 1141 • BW 0.8 • WW 47 • Milk 20 • YW 78 • IND 96 • SC 37.0 • EFF 90 Lot 51 2-11-15 ADG 3.17 • Rat 95 • WDA 3.00 • YR 98 • 365 1159 • BW -1.2 • WW 56 • Milk 18 • YW 97 • IND 100 • SC 37.0 • EFF 101 Lot 55 2-14-15 ADG 3.22 • Rat 97 • WDA 3.08 • YR 93 • 365 1118 • BW 1.0 • WW 50 • Milk 18 • YW 91 • IND 96 • SC 39.0 • EFF 94 Lot 59 2-16-15 ADG 3.69 • Rat 110 • WDA 3.24 • YR 99 • 365 1177 • BW 0.0 • WW 52 • Milk 20 • YW 94 • IND 106 • SC 36.5 • EFF 107

Lot

Birth

BW

WW

Milk

YW

ADG

Rat

WDA

YR

365

IND

SC

EFF

410

2-13-15

2.9

63

31

112

3.36

101

3.36

106

1286

100

34.5

91

Lot 60 2-28-15 ADG 3.39 • Rat 101 • WDA 3.25 • YR 100 • 365 1185 • BW 0.4 • WW 55 • Milk 21 • YW 96 • IND 100 • SC 37.0 • EFF 93

Call for more information:

Jim and Beth GranGer

COOMBS CATTLE COMPANY

&EFO 3PBE t (SFBU 'BMMT .5 t

Mike • 435-730-1175 • Riverside, UT

2016 Midland Bull Test Edition

Page A4

Angus bulls ranked high during 2016 Midland Bull Test

The Angus bulls will be sold on April 8 beginning at 12 noon.

The Angus bulls are split into two groups, with the Green Tags consisting of bulls that are at or below breed average of +1.8 for birth weight expected progeny difference and 84 pounds and under actual birth weight.

This is just a guideline to identify those lower birth weight bulls that may be suitable for use on heifers but is in no way a guarantee that they would work as calving ease bulls. Producers still need to check

them out phenotypically and make sure they meet their criteria to work on heifers.

Angus EPDs are current as of March 4. Visit Angus.org for the most up-to-date EPDs available.

The high efficiency Group One Angus bull was lot 99, with an Efficiency Ratio of 176, and lot 680 took the honors for Group Two, with an Efficiency Ratio of 135.

The World Champion Pen of Three bulls were consigned by 2XL Cattle Co. of Boone, Iowa with lots 670, 671 and 672.

Group One Green Tag ADG The Group One Green Tag bulls were led by lot 196 for average daily gain (ADG) Ratio. The bull, who posted a ratio of 134, was sired by VAR Discovery 2240 and consigned

by Three Forks Ranch of Fort Gibson, Okla. He has EPDs of BW 1.2, WW 56, M 37, YW 108, RFI 0.49 and an Efficiency Ratio of 112.

Next was lot 160 with an ADG Ratio of 130. The bull, consigned by Kukuipahu Ranch of Hawi, Hawaii, has EPDs of BW

Gain leader - With an ADG Ratio of 126, this son of VAR Discovery 2240 and consignment from Three Forks Ranch, has EPDs of BW -1.2, WW 57, M 40, YW 110, RFI 2.71 and an Efficiency Ratio of 103.

He sells as lot 195 and came out in the Angus Group One Green Tag as fourth high ADG Ratio bull.

Courtesy photo

1.7, WW 59, M 21, YW 100, RFI 0.13 and an Efficiency Ratio of 114. He was sired by Connealy Capitalist 028.

Third place went to a son of Ideal 1169 of 9814 Lady, lot 306. He was consigned by Butternut Ridge Farms of Coldwater, Mich.

The bull did not qualify for the sale.

Next, was a tie for fourth by lots 195 and 338 with an ADG Ratio of 126.

A son of VAR Discovery 2240 and consignment from Three Forks Ranch, lot 195 has EPDs of BW -1.2, WW 57, M 40, YW

110, RFI 2.71 and an Efficiency Ratio of 103.

Lot 338 is a son of AAR Ten X 1008 S A and was consigned by KB Angus of Merrit, Mich. He has EPDs of BW -0.2, WW 61, M 26, YW 117, RFI -1.04 and an Efficiency Ratio of 115.

Group Two Green Tag ADG Lot 527 led the pack for ADG Ratio among the Angus Green Tag Group Two bulls with a score of 231. Sired by PA Power Tool 9108, he has EPDs of BW 1.6, WW 57, M 38, YW 106, RFI -0.26 and an

Efficiency Ratio of 108.

Next is a son of Connealy Capitalist 028 from Elk Creek in Hebron, N.D. The bull, lot 514, had an ADG Ratio of 127 and EPDs of BW 0.2, WW 54, M 19, YW 96, RFI 0.73 and an Efficiency Ratio of 104.

Third went to lot 724, a consignment from Sunset Farms of Kaysville, Utah.

The bull’s ADG Ratio hit 126, and he has EPDs of BW -0.7, WW 73, M 30, YW 118, RFI -2.03 and an Efficiency Ratio of 111. He Continued on next page

Tied for the win - Lot 338 tied for fourth high ADG Ratio in the Angus Group One Green Tags with an ADG Ratio of 126. Lot 338 is a son of AAR Ten X 1008 S A and was consigned by KB Angus of Merrit, Mich. He has EPDs of BW -0.2, WW 61, M 26, YW 117, RFI -1.04 and an Efficiency Ratio of 115.

Courtesy photo

MARDA STRIKES AGAIN! MARDA EARNAN 551

MARDA EARNAN 584

MARDA EARNAN 586

L O T

L O T

L O T

1 0 8

1 0 9

1 1 0

12-16-14

by Connealy Earnan 076E

1-14-15

by Connealy Earnan 076E

ADG Rat WDA YR IND SC 4.04 121 3.20 99 109 38.5 BW WW Milk YW 365 Eff 0.8 55 22 96 1173 104

ADG Rat WDA YR IND SC 3.74 112 3.19 100 106 36.5 BW WW Milk YW 365 Eff 3.5 61 18 108 1196 106

Dam Prod 5 NR 110 4 YR 103

Out of a Final Answer daughter • 2 NR 107

MARDA WILLIE NELSON 564

L O T

12-16-14

by Baldridge Willie Y34

ADG Rat WDA YR IND SC 4.09 123 3.49 108 113 35.0 BW WW Milk YW 365 Eff 2.3 69 26 125 1298 106 % IMF 139 • Dam: 3 NR 115 2 YR 112 Mat Grandam: 6 NR 113 6 YR 108

Sire

101 2-2-15 Basin Unanimous 1418 102 12-23-14 Plattemere Weigh Up K360 103 12-16-14 Basin Payweight 107S 104 12-17-14 Basin Payweight 107S 105 12-18-14 Basin Payweight 107S 106* 12-20-14 Basin Payweight 107S 107 12-17-14 Connealy Earnan 076E 112 1-20-15 Connealy Black Granite *106 #8 Eff Ratio Group 1

WDA YR IND SC 3.30 103 107 39.5 Milk YW 365 Eff 20 126 1235 100

Ranks in the top 1% for WW and YW EPD and top 2% for $W. Dam Prod: 3 NR 110 2 YR 100 • %IMF 121

MARDA BLACK GRANITE 591

ALSO SELLING Birth

by Connealy Earnan 076E

ADG Rat 3.69 111 BW WW 2.5 75

All Bulls 50K Genomics Tested LOT

1 0 0

1-17-15

ADG

Rat WDA YR IND SC

3.09 3.63 3.50 3.49 3.36 3.23 3.39 3.65

93 109 105 104 101 97 102 110

3.16 3.14 3.16 3.36 3.01 3.03 3.22 3.24

102 98 99 106 93 97 103 100

102 102 104 103 100 108 104 105

40.5 41.5 37.5 33.0 34.0 43.5 37.0 38.0

MARDA ANGUS FARM Terry and Cody Quam Lodi, Wisconsin • 608-575-9237

L O T 1 1 3 1-23-15

by Connealy Black Granite

ADG Rat 3.87 116 BW WW 0.9 61

WDA YR IND SC 3.20 101 110 38.5 Milk YW 365 Eff 27 101 1204 111

Out of a 12 year old TC Freedom daughter • 9 NR 103

Wyoming Livestock Roundup Continued from previous page was sired by SF Speedway A187.

In a close race for fourth was lot 384 with an ADG Ratio of 125. Sired

by GAR Prophet, the bull was consigned by Six Mile Angus of Mandan, N.D. and has EPDs of BW -0.8, WW 66, M 34, YW 121, RFI 2.45 and an Efficiency Ratio of 107.

Completing the top five was lot 533, a VAR Reserve 1111-sired bull consigned by Harrison Angus Ranch of Boyd, Mont. The bull had an ADG Ratio of 124 and EPDs of BW 0.2, WW 50, M 33, YW 95, RFI 2.51 and an Efficiency Ratio of 95.

Group One White Tag ADG A consignment from Strasburg Angus of Marshal, Wisc. led the Angus Group One White Tag bulls for ADG Ratio, with a score of 131. The bull, lot 120, was sired by Basin Excitement and has EPDs of BW 1.9, WW 66, M 23, YW 114, RFI -4.21 and an Efficiency Ratio of 133.

In a close second was lot 292 with an ADG Ratio of 130. Consigned by Wild West Angus of Dairy, Ore., the AAR Ten X 7008 S A son has EPDs of BW 2.2, WW 59, M 24, YW 113, RFI -1.23 and an Efficiency Ratio of 122.

A Werner War Party 2417 son from Filhart Farm in Clare, Mich. is the third-place ADG bull, who posted a ratio of 128. Lot 297 has EPDs of BW 2.5, WW 58, M 35, YW 108, RFI 2.27 and an Efficiency Ratio of 113.

Lot 300 fell next, with an ADG Ratio of 126. The bull, consigned by Butternut Ridge Farms of Coldwater, Mich. was sired by SAV Resource 1441 and has EPDs of BW 1.7, WW 60, M 29, YW 114, RFI 5.2 and an Efficiency ratio of 93.

Finally, lot 329 closed out the top bulls for White Tag Group One with an ADG Ratio of 124. The bull was sired by HARB Big Shooter 279 JH and has EPDs of BW 2.2, WW 56, M 30, YW 104, RFI -1.15 and an Efficiency Ratio of 118.

Group Two White Tag ADG Lot 665 starts the Angus Group Two White

Tag ADG winners with an ADG Ratio of 140. Sired

by RB Tour of Duty 177 and consigned by Double D Angus of Linwood, Neb., the bull has EPDs of BW 4.1, WW 64, M 32, YW 107, RFI -0.09 and an Efficiency Ratio of 112.

Lot 663, another Double D Angus consignment, followed with an ADG Ratio of 135. A son of SAV Angus Valley 1867, he has EPDs of BW 1.8, WW 50, M 22, YW 98, RFI -1.96 and an Efficiency Ratio of 107.

Lot 670 tied lot 663 for second place, posting the same ADG of 135.

Consigned by 2XL Cattle Company of Boone, Iowa, the bull was sired by VAR Discovery 2240 and has EPDs of BW 2.7, WW 64, M 36, YW 126, RFI 2.07 and an Efficiency Ratio of 111.

Following in fourth and fifth were two more 2XL Cattle Company consignments.

With an ADG Ratio of 134, lot 671 was sired by AAR Ten X 7008 S A and has EPDS of BW 0.4, WW 6, M 22, YW 122, RFI 5.11 and an Efficiency Ratio of 99.

Finally, lot 672 had an ADG Ratio of 131. The bull also has EPDs of BW 1.4, WW 73, M 32, YW 136, RFI -0.07 and an Efficiency Ratio of 111. He is a son of VAR Generation.

Group One Green Tag WDA When looking at weight per day of age (WDA), lot 250 took the top spot for the Angus Green Tag Group One bulls. With a WDA of 3.73, the SAV Angus Valley 1867 son was consigned by Deppe Angus of Waverly, Iowa. He has EPDs of BW 1.7, WW 53, M 25, YW 97, RFI -3.26 and an Efficiency Ratio of 114.

Next, another SAV Angus Valley 1867 son consigned by Deppe Angus, hit a WDA of 3.7.

The bull has EPDs of BW 1.5, WW 52, M 19, YW 91, RFI -1.21 and an Efficiency Ratio of 108.

Deppe Angus’ lot 261, sired by Connealy Capitalist, took the next spot with a WDA of 3.69. The bull has EPDs of BW 1.0, WW 57, M 23, YW 101, RFI 0.04 and an Efficiency Ratio of 97.

Page A5 Lots 78 and 218 tied for fourth with a WDA of 3.68.

Lot 78, consigned by R&C Angus of Monticello, Iowa, was sired by EXAR Denver 2002B. He has EPDs of BW 1.8, WW 65, M 32, YW 110, RFI 4.74 and an Efficiency Ratio of 85.

Lot 218, a Basin Excitement son, was consigned by Fastert Farms of Rock Rapids, Iowa and has EPDs of BW 1.3, WW 63,

M 19, YW 110, RFI 2.98 and an Efficiency Ratio of 107.

Group Two Green Tag WDA The Angus Green Tag Group Two were led by lot 720, a consignment from McCall Land and Cattle Co. of Albuquerque, N.M. Sired by Baldridge Uppercrust U135, the bull has a WDA of 3.76. He did not qualify for the sale.

Two consignments from Harrison Angus

Group Two Green Tag WDA - In third place for Angus Green Tag Group Two’s WDA contest, lot 521, a consignment from Harrison Angus Ranch of Boyd, Mont., posted a WDA of 3.69. He was sired

by PA Power Tool 9108. Courtesy photo

Ranch of Boyd, Mont., lots 524 and 521, came in second and third with WDAs of 3.71 and 3.69. Both were sired by PA Power Tool 9108.

Lot 524 has EPDs of BW 0.9, WW 60, M 40, YW 112, RFI -1.76 and an Efficiency Ratio of 102.

Lot 521 has EPDs of BW 1.0, WW 64, M 35, YW 110, RFI 4.43 and an Efficiency Ratio of 114.

In fourth for the cat-

Continued on next page

Third ranked - Lot 524 ranked third among the Angus Green Tag Group Two for WDA with a score of 3.71. A Harrison Angus Ranch bull, he has EPDs of BW 0.9, WW 60, M 40, YW 112, RFI -1.76 and an Efficiency Ratio of 102. He was sired by PA Power Tool 9108.

Courtesy photo

Calving Ease + Growth 10 Top Red Angus Bulls

MBD Breakthru Jr C30

#5 ADG

MBD Breakthru C37

Lot 757 2-14-15

by Holden Breakthru 248

Lot 759 2-16-15

by KCC Break Thru W972

ADG

RAT

WDA

YR

IND

SC

ADG

RAT

WDA

YR

IND

SC

3.85

124

3.39

106

111

39.5

3.48

112

3.59

111

109

39.5

BW

WW

Milk

YW

365

EFF

BW

WW

Milk

YW

365

EFF

-1.1

69

16

105 1242

109

0.4

85

11

129

1308

109

Out of a LJC Mission Statement daughter

MBD Breakthru Jr C52

Out of a LJC Mission Statement dam MPPA 100.82

MBD Breakthru C68

Lot 764 2-22-15

by Holden Breakthru 248

Lot 765 3-12-15

by KCC Break Thru W972

ADG

RAT

WDA

YR

IND

SC

ADG

RAT

WDA

YR

IND

SC

3.61

116

3.22

101

108

35.5

3.52

113

3.61

111

108

34.0

BW

WW

Milk

YW

365

EFF

BW

WW

Milk

YW

365

EFF

-1.0

71

18

102

1177

113

1.2

94

11

Dam MPPA 100.84 Lot 752 755 756 760 762 766

Group Two Green Tag ADG - Completing the top five for the Angus Group Two Green Tag ADG Ratio leaders was lot 533, a VAR Reserve 1111-sired bull consigned by Harrison Angus Ranch of Boyd, Mont. The bull had an ADG Ratio of 124 and EPDs of BW 0.2, WW 50, M 33, YW 95, RFI 2.51 and an Efficiency Ratio of 95. Courtesy photo

egory was lot 469, a consignment from Bluegrass Angus Farm in Lyons, Neb. Sired by KCF Bennett Absolute, the bull has a WDA of 3.65 and EPDs of BW -0.8, WW 69, M 19, YW 126, RFI 2.12 and an Efficiency Ratio of 111.

Lastly, lot 554 posted a WDA of 3.6. Consigned

by J Bar Stenberg Ranch of St. Ignatius, Mont. and

Birth 2-7-15 2-12-15 2-14-15 2-17-15 2-19-15 3-1-15

Sire Holden Breakthru 248 KCC Break Thru W972 KCC Break Thru W972 KCC Break Thru W972 KCC Break Thru W972 Holden Breakthru 248

141 1308

93

Dam MPPA 106.59 Also Selling: BW WW Milk YW -0.1 69 18 100 0.0 74 15 109 -2.1 69 15 100 -0.6 84 9 125 -1.0 85 9 126 -1.3 65 20 101

ADG 3.17 3.30 2.80 2.74 3.29 2.93

RAT 102 106 90 88 106 94

WDA 3.13 3.26 3.08 3.06 3.48 3.12

YR 98 101 96 95 108 100

H Private Treaty Bulls for Sale at the Ranch H

Mark & Belva DeBruycker Bynum, MT 406-590-0355

IND 101 103 98 97 106 99

SC 40.0 36.0 38.0 37.5 37.0 38.0

2016 Midland Bull Test Edition

Page A6 Continued from previous page sired by Stenberg Coalition 972, the bull has EPDs of BW 1.6, WW 47, M 25, YW 84, RFI -2.87 and an Efficiency Ratio of 106.

Group One White Tag WDA For the Angus Group

One White Tag bulls, lots 30 and 252 led the way with a WDA of 3.78.

Lot 30 is a son of SAV Resource 1441 and was consigned by Probst Ent LLC of Dillon, Mont. He has EPDs of BW 3.0, WW

69, M 35, YW 122, RFI -0.42 and an Efficiency Ratio of 102.

Lot 252, consigned by Deppe Angus of Waverly, Iowa, is a son of AAR Ten X 7008 S A. He has EPDs of BW 2.2, WW 67, M 23, YW 118, RFI -2.03 and an Efficiency Ratio of 112.

Another Deppe Angus consignment, lot 258, came next with a WDA of 3.71. The son of AAR Ten X 7008 S A has EPDs of BW 2.1, WW 61, M 23, YW 111, RFI -5.6 and an Efficiency Ratio of 113.

Deppe Angus’ lot 257 came next with a WDA of 3.69. He has EPDs of BW 2.0, WW 59, M 31, YW 97, RFI -10.36 and an Efficiency Ratio of 171. The bull is a son of PVF Insight 0129.

Coming in a close fifth is a son of EXAR Upshot 0562B with a WDA of 3.68, lot 80. The bull was consigned by R&C Angus of Monticello, Iowa and has EPDs of BW 3.2, WW 56, M 28, YW 104, RFI -0.26 and an Efficiency Ratio of 105.

Group Two White Tag WDA Angus Group Two White Tag WDA was led by lot 352, a consignment from Haycow of Lincoln, Calif., with a WDA of 4.08. Sired by McD Total Package 1337, the bull has

Group Two White Tag - In the WDA ranking for Angus Group Two White Tag, lot 422 took third place with a WDA of 3.82. He was consigned by Harrison Angus of Boyd, Mont. and is sired by Flat Mountain Protégé 5. His EPDs are BW 1.3, WW 59, M 26, YW 103, RFI 0.62 and an Efficiency Ratio of 95.

Courtesy photo

Selling 11 Top Performing Angus \ <3 A52 '<= * B99@ \ #2 WhitWDA Groue Tag p1

Deppe GFF 244 Ten X 522

#1 GreeWDA n Tag Grou p1

Deppe 107 Angus Valley 517

Lot 252 2-17-15

by AAR Ten X 7088 SA

#2 Eff R atio

Lot 257

Lot 250 2-15-15 by SAV Angus Valley 1867

#4 WhitWDA Groue Tag p1

Deppe 107 Insight 531

2-21-15

by PVF Insight 0129

ADG

RAT

WDA

YR

IND

SC

ADG

RAT

WDA

YR

IND

SC

ADG

RAT

WDA

YR

IND

SC

3.62

109

3.78

114

109

38.5

3.56

107

3.73

114

112

40.5

3.59

108

3.69

111

126

37.0

BW

WW

Milk

YW

365

EFF

BW

WW

Milk

YW

365

EFF

BW

WW

Milk

YW

365

EFF

2.2

67

23

118

1373

112

1.7

53

25

99

1355

114

2.9

59

31

97

1338

171

Maternal brother to Lot 257 REA 101 • REA 97 Dam Prod 1 NR 112

REA 104 • %IMF 122 Flush brother to Lot 258 and 254 #2 GreeWDA n Tag Grou p1

Deppe RL42 Angus Valley 526

Eff #3 ati GroR up 1o

Deppe GFF 244 Ten X 533

Lot 255 2-20-15 by SAV Angus Valley 1867

2-22-15

#3 WhitWDA GroeuTag p1

REA 110 Dam Prod 1 NR 112

Deppe 275 Capitalist 557

Lot 258

Lot 261

by AAR Ten X 7088 SA

3-14-15 by Connealy Capitalist 028

RAT

WDA

YR

IND

SC

ADG

RAT

WDA

YR

IND

SC

ADG

RAT

WDA

YR

IND

SC

3.58

107

3.70

113

109

39.0

3.89

117

3.71

112

116

41.0

3.59

107

3.69

113

106

36.0

BW

WW

Milk

YW

365

EFF

BW

WW

Milk

YW

365

EFF

BW

WW

Milk

YW

365

EFF

1.5

52

18

91

1342

108

2.1

61

23

111

1347

133

1.0

57

23

101

1337

97

Flush brother to Lot 252 and Lot 254 REA 113 • %IMF 136

with an average ADG of 3.94.

Next were lots 300, 303 and 304, with an average ADG of 3.92. Sired by SAV Resource 1441, they bulls were consigned by Butternut Ridge Farms of Coldwater, Mich.

Finally, the ADG sire groups were rounded out with lots 171, 172 and 174, sired by Mytty Forefront 1094. Consigned by Wright Way Angus of St. John, Wash., the bulls had an average ADG of 3.9.

WDA Sire Group Haycow consigned the top-performing sire group for WDA. Lots 352, 353 and 358 were sired by McD Total Package 1337 and have an average WDA of 3.71.

Next was a group of bulls sired by RB Active Duty 010 from Olson Cattle Co. in St. Ignatius, Mont. The bulls, lots 646, 648 and 649, had an average WDA of 3.67.

Deppe Angus of Waverly, Iowa consigned the next two top-placing sire groups.

In third with an average WDA of 3.66 were lots 250, 253 and 255.

They were sired by SAV Angus Valley 1867.

Finally, a group of bulls sired by AAR Ten X 7008 S A, lot 252, 254 and 258, had an average WDA of 3.63.

These results are listed as released by Midland Bull Test on March 21, 2016.

To see complete results for Angus Group One, visit midlandbulltest.com/wp-content/ uploads/AN-GS-1-FINAL. pdf. Complete results for Angus Group Two are available at midlandbulltest.com/wp-content/ uploads/AN-GS-2-FINAL. pdf.

#3 GreeWDA n Tag Grou p1

ADG

His full brother was a 2015 Midland WDA winner.

EPDs of BW 2.4, WW 60, M 17, YW 105, RFI -.29 and an Efficiency Ratio of 97.

In second was lot 496, with a WDA of 3.91. The consignment came from Welytok Angus in Chittenango, N.Y. and was sired by Connealy Black Granite. He has EPDs of BW 0.0, WW 66, M 31, YW 120, RFI -2.20 and an Efficiency Ratio of 113.

The third-placing lot 422 has a WDA of 3.82. He was consigned by Harrison Angus of Boyd, Mont. and is sired by Flat Mountain Protégé 5. His EPDs are BW 1.3, WW 59, M 26, YW 103, RFI 0.62 and an Efficiency Ratio of 95.

Lot 649 took a close fourth place with a WDA of 3.78. Sired by RB Active Duty 010 and consigned by Olson Cattle Co. of St. Ignatuis, Mont., the bull has EPDs of BW 2.0, WW 68, M 33, YW 123, RFI -0.22 and an Efficiency Ratio of 112.

Rounding out the top five was another Olson Cattle Co. bull, also sired

by RB Active Duty 010, lot 646. The bull has a WDA of 3.77 and EPDs of BW 0.7, WW 62, M 30, YW 112, RFI 2.18 and an Efficiency Ratio of 107.

ADG Sire Group The top ADG sire group for the Angus cattle came from Three Forks Ranch. The bulls, lots 192, 195 and 196, were sired by VAR Discovery 2240 with an average ADG of 4.23.

Lots 538, 539 and 540 were next. Consigned by Sunny Okanogan of Owak, Wash., the bulls were sired

by Vision Unanimous 1418 and have an average ADG of 4.15.

Another group of bulls, lots 541, 542 and 543, consigned by Sunny Okanogan, came in third

Fourth place - Following lot 422 in the Group Two White Tag WDA ranking, lot 649 took a close fourth place with a WDA of 3.78. Sired

by RB Active Duty 010 and consigned by Olson Cattle Co. of St. Ignatuis, Mont., the bull has EPDs of BW 2.0, WW 68, M 33, YW 123, RFI -0.22 and an Efficiency Ratio of 112. Courtesy photo

A maternal brother to Granger Great Falls REA 115 • %IMF 128

ADDITIONAL PROSPECTS Lot 251 253 254 256 262

Birth 2-15-15 2-18-15 2-16-15 2-20-15 3-16-15

Sire Connealy Impression S A V Angus Valley 1867 AAR Ten X 7008 SA EXAR Upshot 0562B Tombstone 050

BW -0.8 1.5 -0.1 3.3 0.9

WW 75 47 61 65 70

Milk 26 16 25 32 30

YW 121 88 112 111 123

ADG 3.66 3.65 3.17 3.16 3.68

RAT 108 110 95 95 110

WDA 3.60 3.55 3.40 3.20 3.65

YR 110 107 104 103 111

IND 116 107 100 102 107

365 1309 1287 1237 1231 1318

SC 37.0 36.0 38.0 36.0 34.0

Eff 129 112 102 93 99

Dennis and Jennifer Deppe Waverly, IA 319-239-1824

Progress Through Testing

www.deppeangus.com

WDA sire group - Lot 646 was one of three bulls placing in the second-ranking sire group for WDA in the Angus bulls. The group was consigned by Olson Cattle Co. of St. Ignatius, Mont. and was sired by RB Active Duty 010. He was joined by lots 648 and 649 in the group. Courtesy photo

Wyoming Livestock Roundup

Page A7

Slate of Red Angus bulls proves to be top quality for 2016 Midland Bull Test Sale The Midland Bull Test Sale on April 7 will kick off at 12 noon with an excellent set of Red Angus bulls. Lots 750 to 841 will sell in two groups.

The Green Tag bulls are low birth weight bulls with an actual birth weight of less than 85 pounds and a birth weight EPD under -1.1. The Yellow Tag bulls have an actual birth weight over 84 pounds or a birth weight EPD over -1.0.

Green Tag ADG Lot 781 leads the Red Angus Green Tag bulls for average daily gain (ADG) ratio with an ADG Ratio of 140. Consigned by Haycow of Lincoln, Calif., the bull was sired by Haycow Advance 8999 and has EPDs of BW -0.1, WW 62, M 16, YW 98, RFI -1.85 and an Efficiency Ratio of 113.

An ADG Ratio of 136 from lot 773 comes in second. The bull, also consigned by Haycow and sired by Haycow Advance

8999, has EPDs of BW -0.2, WW 50, M 18, YW 77, RFI 2.16 and an Efficiency Ratio of 101.

Next, lot 779 comes in third with an ADG ratio of 130. Sired by the same Haycow Advance 8999 and consigned by Haycow, the bull has EPDs of BW 0.9, WW 55, M 17, YW 85, RFI 1.76 and an Efficiency Ratio of 108.

Fourth place goes to lot 784 with an ADG ratio of 127. The bull is another Haycow consignment, Haycow Advance 8999 son, with EPDs of BW 0.3, WW 43, M 14, YW 67, RFI -1.50 and an Efficiency Ratio of 121.

Rounding out the top are lots 757 and 798 with an ADG Ratio of 125.

Lot 757 was consigned

by DeBruycker Red Angus of Bynum, Mont. and sired

by Holden Breakthru 248.

He posts EPDs of BW -1.1, WW 69, M 16, YW 105, RFI 0.13 and an Efficiency Ratio of 109.

Lot 798 is a consignment from McPhee Red Angus with EPDs of BW 0.1, WW 71, M 21, YW 110, RFI -1.08 and an Efficiency Ratio of 110. He was sired by Brown Commitment X7787.

Yellow Tag ADG In the Yellow Tag category, lot 813 took the lead with an ADG Ratio of 113.

The Hornung Red Angus consignment from Cottage Grove, Wisc. was sired

by Andras New Direction R240 and has EPDs of BW 0.6, WW 78, M 22, YW 126, RFI 2.20 and an Efficiency Ratio of 89.

In second was lot 818, a consignment from Flat Iron Red Angus of Veteran, Wyo., with an ADG of 107. A son of GMRA Peacemaker 1216, the bull has EPDs of BW -0.4, WW 64, M 24, YW 94, RFI 1.87 and an Efficiency Ratio of 100.

Next, lots 807 and 824 tied for third with an ADG Ratio of 103.

Lot 807 was consigned

by Morel Red Angus of Valier, Mont. and sired by Beckington Epic R397K. He has EPDs of BW -1.2, WW 67, M 22, YW 92, RFI -0.26 and an Efficiency Ratio of 101.

Lot 824 is a son of HXC Big Iron 0024X and was consigned by Gran Red Angus of Plattsmouth, Neb. The bull has EPDs of BW 1.2, WW 77, M 21, YW 129, RFI -1.06 and an Efficiency Ratio of 104.

The fourth place slot was taken by lot 836 with an ADG Ratio of 102.

Sired by Laubach Packer 1129, the bull has EPDs of BW -0.2, WW 69, M 19, YW 107, RFI -1.12 and an Efficiency Ratio of 101.

Rounding out the top was lot 776, a Haycow consignment sired by Haycow Advance 512, with an ADG Ratio of 96. The bull has EPDs of BW 0.7, WW 56, M 13, YW 83, RFI 1.57 and an Efficiency Ratio of 99.

Green Tag WDA For the weight per day of age (WDA) contest, lot 781 led the pack with a WDA of 4.17.

He was followed by lot 773 with a WDA of 3.98.

Next, lot 786, another Haycow consignment, posted a WDA of 3.86.

Sired by Haycow Cher Pine 711, he has EPDs of BW -1.9, WW 57, M 11,

YW 77, RFI -1.98 and an Efficiency Ratio of 122.

In fourth is lot 791.

The Haycow consignment was also sired by Haycow Cher Pine 711 and had a WDA Ratio of 3.77. He

posts EPDs of BW -1.7, WW 67, M 10, YW 91, RFI 0.04 and an Efficiency Ratio of 105.

Completing the top Continued on next page

WDA scores - For the Red Angus Green Tag, lot 786, another Haycow consignment, posted a WDA of 3.86, setting him as third in the WDA contest for the group. Sired by Haycow Cher Pine 711, he has EPDs of BW -1.9, WW 57, M 11, YW 77, RFI -1.98 and an Efficiency Ratio of 122. Courtesy photo

DeBruycker consignment - Lot 757 tied for the fifth place ADG in the Red Angus Green Tag group with an ADG Ratio of 125. He was consigned by DeBruycker Red Angus of Bynum, Mont. And sired by Holden Breakthru 248. He posts EPDs of BW -1.1, WW 69, M 16, YW 105, RFI 0.13 and an Efficiency Ratio of 109. Courtesy photo

OFFERING 4 PROSPECTS Red Angus

Lot 767

ADG leader - The average daily gain leader for the Red Angus Green Tag bulls was lot 781, with an ADG Ratio of 140. Consigned by Hay Cow of Lincoln, Calif., the bull was sired by Haycow Advance 8999 and has EPDs of BW -0.1, WW 62, M 16, YW 98, RIF -1.85 and an Efficiency Ratio of 113. Courtesy photo

FLRA 6034S Cyrus RC04

Growth & Carcass L ELA Lord C23 Rat WDA YR O ADG 3.69 110 3.23 98 T BW WW Milk YW 1.8

6 7 1-24-15

53

31

96

IND

SC

105 365 1163

38.5 107 REA IMF 107 110

EFF

Dam Prod 5 RE 108.

She ranks in the top 15% for WW, top 20% for YW & top 3% for RE!

by PA Safeguard 021

ELA Patton C49 ADG Rat WDA

YR

IND

SC

EFF

3.65 109 3.61 BW WW Milk 1.1 63 26

110 YW 117

96 109 37.5 365 REA IMF 1308 108 114

His pedigree shows 9 Pathfinders.

Dam ranks in the top 4% for WW, top 5% for Doc & top 15% for $B.

Birth

Sire

68 69

2-1-15 2-4-15

AAR TenX 7008 SA EXAR Upshot 0562B

7 0

by Hoover Dam

ADG Rat WDA YR 365 IND 3.76 113 3.56 107

3.08 3.15

96 97

SC

1143 102 38.5 1160 102 34.0

EFF REA 93 96

Emerald Lane Angus Edgar, Wisconsin Melvin Niemann • 715-297-4670 www.emeraldlaneangus.com

98 102

IMF

RAT

WDA

YR

IND

SC

3.20

103

3.35

105

102

35.0

BW

WW

Milk

YW

365

EFF

-1.2

59

25

87

1231

100

Out of a 10-year-old Cherokee Canyon daughter 2-17-15 by LSF JBOB Expectation 6034S Hereford

Lot 1150

SPF 335 Carhartt 02C ADG

RAT

WDA

YR

IND

SC

2.90

112

3.17

117

108

32.0

BW

WW

Milk

YW

365

EFF

0.8

53

29

90

1228

103

Out of one of the finest About Time daughters anywhere.

Dam Prod 2 NR 103

2-25-15

Additional Prospects Lot

L O T

ADG

1-28-15

by F Building Trust 335

Two Additional Hereford Prospects sired by F Building Trust 335 Lot Birth 1151 2-7-15 1152 3-17-15

BW 2.0 1.8

WW Milk YW ADG RAT WDA YR 365 IND SC EH 48 25 88 2.56 99 2.76 100 1051 99 35.0 96 53 27 92 2.76 107 3.14 103 1087 104 37.0 103

130 110

Finger Lakes Cattle Co. Spring Pond Farm Branchport, NY

Branchport, NY

John Kriese • 315-595-6198

2016 Midland Bull Test Edition

Page A8

Top Simmentals slated to sell at Midland

Continued from previous page rankings is a J Bar Stenberg Ranch consignment with a WDA of 3.75. From St. Ignatius, Mont., the bull posts EPDs of BW 0.4, WW 60, M 21, YW 87, RFI -2.43 and an Efficiency Ratio of 108.

Yellow Tag WDA Lot 776 led the way for WDA in the Yellow Tag Red Angus bulls with a WDA of 3.4.

He was followed by lot 817, who posted a WDA of 3.38. The bull was consigned by Hornung Red Angus of Cottage Grove, Wisc. and sired by Silveiras Mission Nexus 13. He has EPDs of BW -1.5, WW 63, M 25, YW 99, RFI -1.08 and an Efficiency Ratio of 102.

With a WDA of 3.25, lot 836 hit the third place slot, and he was followed by lot 818 with a WDA of 3.21.

Finishing the group was lot 782, posting a WDA of 3.2. The bull was another Haycow Advance 8999 son, consigned by Haycow of Lincoln, Calif. He has EPDs of BW 0.8, WW 61, M 12, YW 88, RFI -0.77 and an Efficiency Ratio of 98.

Results were taken on March 21, 2016 from the Final Reports released by Midland Bull Test.

Complete results from the Midland Bull Test Red Angus bulls are available at midlandbulltest.com/ wp-content/uploads/RA-FINAL.pdf.

Green Tag WDA - In the Red Angus Green Tag, lot 791 ranked as fourth-high WDA. The Haycow consignment was also sired

by Haycow Cher Pine 711 and had a WDA Ratio of 3.77. He posts EPDs of BW -1.7, WW 67, M 10, YW 91, RFI 0.04 and an Efficiency Ratio of 105. Courtesy photo

A powerful set of Simmental bulls will sell at the 2016 Midland Bull Test.

Lots 1100 to 1149 will sell on April 6 immediately following the Salers bulls, which sell at 12 noon.

In the winner’s circle, the high Midland Bull Test Indexing Simmental was lot 1143, with a Midland Bull Test Index of 118.

ADG leaders The Simmentals posted high average daily gains (ADG), and lots 1143, 1110, 1125, 1102 and 1126 came out as the top five gainers this year.

With an ADG Ratio of

137, lot 1143 took the top spot in the test for Simmentals. Sired by HPF Optimizer A512, he has EPDs of BW 0.9, WW 74.4, M 26.9, YW 115.5, RFI 1.68 and an Efficiency Ratio of 113. He was consigned by Christensen Simmental of Wessington Springs, S.D. Next, lot 1110 posted an ADG Ratio of 123. Consigned by Sundberg Farms of Mendota, Ill. and sired

by TNT Tuition U238, he has EPDs of BW 2.2, WW 69.3, M 14.1, YW 106.3, RFI 0.68 and an Efficiency Ratio 106.

An ADG Ratio of 117

from lot 1125 took the third spot. The bull was consigned

by Morris Creek Angus and Fleckvieh Simmental of Mt. Vernon, S.D. He was sired

by IPU Romano 73X and has EPDs of BW 3.2, WW 75.7, M 25, YW 105.7, RFI 0.99 and an Efficiency Ratio of 103.

Lot 1102 came in a close fourth place with an ADG Ratio of 116. A consignment from Probst Ent LLC of Dillon, Mont., the bull was sired by Conclusion 437 and has EPDs of BW 3.4, WW 69.3, M 17.9, YW 105.1, RFI -0.55 and an Efficiency Ratio of 112.

High index - Lot 1143 took the prestigious spot as top-indexing Simmental during the 2016 Midland Bull Test. He also took the prize for top ADG Ratio, with 137. Sired by HPF Optimizer A512, he has EPDs of BW 0.9, WW 74.4, M 26.9, YW 115.5, RFI 1.68 and an Efficiency Ratio of 113. He was consigned by Christensen Simmental of Wessington Springs, S.D. Courtesy photo

peRfoRmance pLus

Booth’s Cherry Creek Angus

5 Black & 3 Red Angus

SELLING 2 VAR DISCOVERY SONS AT MIDLAND! VAR Discovery 2240

CED: +9 BW: +0.8 WW: +79 YW: +151 M: +42 Marb: +1.38 RE: +.62 $B: +189.07

Rounding out the ADG leaders for the Simmentals was lot 1126 with an ADG Ratio of 114. Consigned

by Elm Creek of Hebron, S.D., the bull has EPDs of BW -1.6, WW 65.9, M 25.5, YW 109.9, RFI -0.35 and an Efficiency Ratio of 104. He is a son of Basin Payweight 1682.

WDA leaders Lot 1143 also took the top in the weight per day of age (WDA) category, with a WDA of 3.68.

He was followed by lot 1102 with a WDA of 3.61, and lot 1125 was close behind with a WDA of 3.59.

Elm Creek’s lot 1127 came fourth, with a WDA of 3.51. The bull, sired by Mr NCL Upgrade U8676, has EPDs of BW 1.5, WW 78, M 19.1, YW 117.5, RFI 0.55 and an Efficiency Ratio of 95.

In fifth for WDA was lot 1104, with a score of 3.47. Sired by Yardley Royal Dream, the Probst Ent LLC consignment has EPDs of BW 0.4, WW 55.2, M 29.8, YW 88, RFI -0.29 and an Efficiency Ratio of 99.

Results were taken on March 21, 2016 from the Final Reports released by Midland Bull Test.

Complete results for the Simmental bulls are available at midlandbulltest. com/wp-content/uploads/ SI-FINAL-1.pdf.

KPHU 5014 12-16-14

LOT 157

Sire: Basin Payweight 107S

ADG

Rat.

WDA

YR

IND

SC

3.78

114

3.18

99

106

37.5

BW

WW

Milk

YW

365

Eff

3.6

60

22

101

1185

112

ut of a Predestined dam • 4 NR 106

KPHU 5019 12-19-14 ADG

Sire: Basin Payweight 107S

Rat.

WDA

YR

IND

SC

3.61

108

3.24

100

104

40.0

BW

WW

Milk

YW

365

Eff

2.5

66

23

112

1206

103

Dam Prod 4 NR 108 • Mat Grandam 6 NR 113

LOT 159

#2 GreeADG Groun Tag p1

KPHU 5074 1-4-15

LOT 603

LOT 604

Cherry Crk Discovery C22

Cherry Crk Discovery C32

Discovery x Daybreak Discovery x R/M Ironstone CED: +8 BW: +1.0 WW: +73 M: +33 CED: +13 BW: -0.7 WW: +72 M: +35 YW: +134 Marb: +0.80 RE: +.79 YW: +130 Marb: +1.29 RE: +.41 ADG/Ratio: 3.74/112 MBT Ind: 109 ADG/Ratio: 3.37/101 MBT Ind: 104 Shawn & Diane 307-837-2994 Michael & Lindsy 307-837-0164 • Kacey 307-532-1532 boothangus@scottsbluff.net

boothscherrycreekranch.com

LOT 160 Lot 156 158 769 770 771

Birth 12-15-14 12-17-14 12-17-14 12-19-14 12-19-14

Sire: Connealy Capitalist 028

ADG

Rat.

WDA

YR

IND

SC

4.33

130

3.27

103

116

37.0

BW

WW

Milk

YW

365

Eff

1.7

59

21

100

1222

114

ut of a Predestined dam 1 NR 122 Mat Grandam 6 NR 100

ALSO SELLING: Sire BW WW Milk Basin Payweight 107S 1.3 66 19 Connealy Capitalist 028 0.1 56 17 Red Corner Creek Cash 2R 0.2 69 9 5L Solitaire 3769-33Y -0.1 71 17 5L Solitaire 3769-33Y 0.3 81 12

YW 112 95 101 109 127

KuKuipahu Ranch LLc Hawi, HI 808-889-0002 • 808-345-8789

ADG 3.11 3.56 2.80 3.33 3.37

RAT 93 107 90 107 108

WDA 2.96 2.97 2.87 3.21 3.08

YR 94 95 91 102 100

IND 94 100 95 103 106

Wyoming Livestock Roundup

Page A9

Salers bulls bring excellent quality to 2016 Midland Bull Test The Salers bulls, in lots 900 to 958, will sell on April 6 at 12 noon.

Similar to Angus and Red Angus, the Salers bulls were split between Group One and Group Two based on birth weight.

Group One bulls are those with an actual birth weight of 84 pounds of less and a birth weight EPD of 1.8 or less. Those bulls with an actual birth weight of 85 pounds of greater and/or a birth weight EPD of 1.9 or greater are in Group Two. Group One ADG leaders For average daily gain (ADG) in Group One, lot 908 led the way with an ADG Ratio of 116. Consigned by Ahtanum Valley Salers of Yakima, Wash., he was sired by AAR Ten X 7008 S A and has EPDs of BW 0.5, WW 47, M 14, YW 92, RFI -7.14 and an Efficiency Ratio of 130.

Next, lot 903 came in with an ADG Ratio of 111.

Also consigned by Ahtanum Valley Salers, the bull was sired by OPP 239Z of 70U and has EPDs of BW 1.7, WW 42, M 22, YW 80, RFI -1.72 and an Efficiency Ratio of 103.

Closely following with an ADG Ratio of 110, lot 916 was consigned by Panther County Salers of Leigh, Neb. Sired by PCSL Zale, the bull has EPDs of BW 0.6, WW 44, M 23, YW 82, RFI 1.28 and an Efficiency Ratio of 98.

In a tie for fourth, lots 901 and 925 both posted an ADG Ratio of 108.

Lot 901 is an Ahtanum Valley Salers consignment, sired by OPP 239Z of 70U, and has EPDs of BW 1.2, WW 44, M 24, YW 87, RFI 1.61 and an Efficiency Ratio of 101.

Lot 925 is a consign-

ment from Elm Creek in Hebron, N.D. The bull is sired by Connealy Capitalist 028 and has EPDs of BW 0.6, WW 60, M 25, YW 108, RFI 2.98 and an Efficiency Ratio of 95.

The top five is finished by lot 948 with an ADG Ratio of 107. He is an MJB – Doubet consignment from Lodge Grass, Mont. and was sired by SRS Spartacus 0670Z and has EPDs of BW 0, WW 54, M 20, YW 101, RFI 0.40 and an Efficiency Ratio of 100.

Group Two ADG leaders In Group Two, lot 931 leads the pack with an ADG Ratio of 134. A consignment from Elk Creek in Hebron, N.D., the bull posts EPDs of BW 1.2, WW 60, M 22, YW 108, RFI 2.73 and an Efficiency Ratio of 115. He is sired

by OPP 239Z of 70U. Next, lot 934 hit 124 with his ADG ratio. The bull, also consigned by

Elk Creek, was sired by AVS Outwest 210X and has EPDs of BW 0.7, WW 49, M 18, YW 100, RFI -0.88 and an Efficiency Ratio of 120.

Third place was taken by lot 949 with an ADG Ratio of 119. The MJBDoubet consignment comes from Lodge Grass, Mont. and was sired by SRS Spartacus 0670Z. He has EPDs of BW 0.8, WW 42, M 18, YW 90, RFI 2.40 and an Efficiency Ratio of 103.

Lot 924 follows in a close fourth, with an ADG Ratio of 118. The Elm Creek consignment was sired by AAR Ten X 7008 S A and has EPDs of BW 1.8, WW 55, M 18, YW 105, RFI -4.01 and an Efficiency Ratio of 121.

To finish the category, lot 935 posted an ADG Ratio of 115. Another Elk Creek-consigned, AVS Outwest 210X-sired bull, he has EPDs of BW 1.4,

WW 57, M 20, YW 114, RFI -0.15 and an Efficiency Ratio of 109.

Group One WDA leaders Lot 908 starts the Group One weight per day of age (WDA) category with a WDA of 3.38.

He is followed by lot 927 with a WDA of 3.27. Lot 927 is an Elk Creek consignment from Hebron, N.D. and was sired by MAC Black Vista 349Y. His EPDs are BW 0, WW 54, M 25, YW 96, RFI 6.90 and an Efficiency Ratio of 79.

Lot 943 follows with a WDA of 3.25. The bull was consigned by Parke Ranch of Drummond, Mont. and was sired by PRK Yellowstone 996Y. He has EPDs of BW 0, WW 46, M 18, YW 97, RFI 2.45 and an Efficiency Ratio of 91.

In fourth is lot 917, a bull from Panther County Salers in Leigh, Neb. The son of ECR Prime Time 1052Y and has EPDs of

BW -1, WW 57, M 21, YW 95, RFI -1.69 and an Efficiency Ratio of 104.

Lot 901 closes out the WDA leaders for Group One with a WDA of 3.21.

Group Two WDA leaders In Group Two of the Salers cattle, lot 931 had the top spot, with a WDA of 3.70.

He is followed by lot 922, with a WDA of 3.48. Lot 922 is a son of SO Payweight 343-10 and was consigned by Lightning Creek from Girard, Kans. He shows EPDs of BW 2.5, WW 52, M 20, YW 103, RFI 1.06 and an Efficiency Ratio of 107.

A tie for third between lots 934 and 937 left the pair with a WDA of 3.43.

Lot 937 is a son of AVS Outwest 210X consigned by Elk Creek of

Hebron, N.D. He has EPDs of BW 2.9, WW 66, M 20, YW 119, RFI 1.50 and an Efficiency Ratio of 100.

Another tie was seen for fourth between lots 932 and 935. Both bulls had a WDA of 3.42.

Lot 932 is another Elm Creek bull that was also sired by OPP 239Z of 70U. He has EPDs of BW 2.3, WW 61, M 30, YW 105, RFI 0.31 and an Efficiency Ratio of 96.

Lastly, in the fifth slot, lot 924 posted a WDA of 3.39.

Results were compiled on March 21, 2016 from Final Reports released by Midland Bull Test. Final test results for the Salers are available at midlandbulltest.com/wp-content/ uploads/SA-FINAL.pdf.

Look for complete Midland Bull Test results and information at midlandbulltest.com

Gain leader - The top five Salers Group One ADG contest was finished by lot 948 with an ADG Ratio of 107. He is an MJB – Doubet consignment from Lodge Grass, Mont. and was sired by SRS Spartacus 0670Z and has EPDs of BW 0, WW 54, M 20, YW 101, RFI 0.40 and an Efficiency Ratio of 100.

Courtesy photo

#2 Treasure Test Index Bull

OLSON CATTLE COMPANY future herd sires sell at MIDLAND and TREASURE TEST 10 - RB Active Duty 010 Sons / 5 - OCC Ultimate Answer 118 Sons / 2 - AAR Ten X 7008 S A Sons

Midland

Lot 646

Midland

Lot 649

#5 WDA White Tag Group 2 MBT

Lot 12

#4 WDA White Tag Group 2 MBT

3-5-15 • Sire: RB Active Duty 010

Treasure Test

Lot 167

Champion Jackpot Bull

Reg # 18229072

Reg # 18261438

2-19-15 • Sire: RB Active Duty 010

Treasure Test

Member of Champion Sire Group

Reg # 18261426

2-20-15 • Sire: RB Active Duty 010

Reg # 18261430

2-25-15 • Sire: RB Active Duty 010

ADG

Rat

WDA

YR

IND

205

365

ADG

Rat

WDA

YR

IND

205

365

ADG

Rat

WDA

YR

IND

205

365

ADG

Rat

WDA

YR

IND

205

365

4.00

120

3.77

115

112

834

1393

3.80

114

3.78

114

112

848

1383

4.25

124

3.99

126

120

897

1457

4.38

127

3.76

119

116

797

1372

Midland

Lot 648

Treasure Test

Lot 170

Treasure Test

Lot 172

Treasure Test

Lot 173

Champion Youth Bull Reg # 18229069

3-1-15 • Sire: RB Active Duty 010

Reg # 18261431

3-5-15 • Sire: OCC Ultimate Answer 118

Reg # 18386778

2-26-15 • Sire: AAR Ten X 7008 S A

Reg # 18228919

2-12-15 • Sire: OCC Ultimate Answer 118

ADG

Rat

WDA

YR

IND

205

365

ADG

Rat

WDA

YR

IND

205

365

ADG

Rat

WDA

YR

IND

205

365

ADG

Rat

WDA

YR

IND

205

365

3.11

93

3.46

105

99

846

1268

3.83

111

3.61

114

109

806

1316

4.08

119

3.61

114

112

809

1319

3.67

107

3.77

119

112

867

1377

Midland Bull Test Sale April 6-8, 2016

Columbus, Montana

Wendy, Kyla and Kane Olson St. Ignatius, Montana

406-745-2782 • 406-261-3782 (cell)

Treasure Bull Test Sale April 11, 2016 • 1 p.m.

Western Livestock Auction Great Falls, Montana

2016 Midland Bull Test Edition

Page A10

High-quality set of Gelbvieh bulls slated for 54th Midland Bull Test sale On April 6, Gelbvieh bulls will dominate the show ring, following the Salers and Simmental sales, at the Midland Bull Test. Lots 1050 through 1071 provide a high-quality set of Gelbvieh options for producers.

The high performing Gelbvieh bull at Midland Bull Test this year was lot 1057, with a Midland Bull Test Index of 117.

ADG leaders In the race for the high average daily gain (ADG), lot 1057, consigned by Steve Smith Gelbvieh of Lehi, Utah, took the top spot, with an ADG Ratio of 135. The bull, sired by AAR Ten X 7008 S A, has EPDs of BW

-1, WW 70, M 28, YW 116, RFI 1.59 and an Efficiency Ratio of 109.

Ranking second, lot 1059, and another Steve Smith Gelbvieh consignment, hit an ADG Ratio of 108. He is sired by EXAR Complete 1887B and has EPDs of BW 0.4, WW 70, M 33, YW 114, RFI 0.46 and an Efficiency Ratio of 95.

The third place slot goes to HC Cattle of Columbus, Mont.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lot 1050. A son of BCC Magnitude 106X, he has EPDs of BW -1, WW 49, M 23, YW 76, RFI -2.38, an Efficiency Ratio of 113 and an ADG Ratio of 106.

With an ADG Ratio of 104, lot 1051, consigned by

Hermansen Cattle Co., LLC of Fairview, Utah and sired

by VAR Discovery 2240, posted EPDs of BW 0.3, WW 78, M 31, YW 131, RFI -0.57 and an Efficiency Ratio of 87.

Finishing the top five, lot 1056 posted an ADG Ratio of 100. The bull, sired by Irish Black, was consigned

by Lonetree Family Ranch, LLC of Cleveland, Utah. He has EPDs of BW -1, WW 48, M 26, YW 63, RFI 1.15 and an Efficiency Ratio of 100.

WDA leaders Many of the same lots performed at the top in the weight per day of age (WDA) contest.

Coming in at the top

Index leader - Lot 1057 took the honors as the high-performing bull in the Gelbvieh breed for 2016. With a Midland Bull Test Index of 117, he also took the top spot in ADG ratio, with a score of 135. The bull, sired

by AAR Ten X 7008 S A, has EPDs of BW -1, WW 70, M 28, YW 116, RFI 1.59 and an Efficiency Ratio of 109. Courtesy photo

was lot 1051 with a WDA of 3.67.

Lots 1057 and 1052 tied for second place in the category, with a WDA of 3.47. Lot 1052 was sired by HAHR Arrow H Ramrod 13Z. This Hermansen Cattle Co., LLC consignment has EPDs of BW 0.4, WW 85, M 27, YW 123, RFI -0.33 and

Hereford bulls in lots 1150 through 1169 will sell at the Midland Bull Test Sale on April 7. The bulls will follow the Red Angus and South Devon sales.

The high indexing Hereford bull this year was lot 1159, with a Midland Bull Test Index of 114.

ADG leaders Leading the Herefords in average daily gain (ADG) was lot 1159, a consigment from McMurry Cattle in Billings, Mont. Sired by Whitehawk Precedence 342Z, he posted an ADG Ratio of 136. The bull has EPDs of BW 1.6, WW 56, M 32, YW 89, RFI 1.37 and an Efficiency Ratio of 108.

Next, with an ADG Ratio of 126, lot 1157 hit EPDs of BW 1, WW 56, M 28, YW 94, RFI -1.54 and an Efficiency Ratio of 111.

Another McMurry Cattle consigment, he was sired by Churchill Red Bull 200Z. Lot 1153, a NJW 73S M326 Trust 100W-sired bull with EPDs of BW 3.2, WW 68, M 30, YW 113, RFI -0.84 and Efficiency Ratio of 95, posted a third-high ADG Ratio of 120. He was consigned by Glade Haven Herefords of Penn Yan, N.Y. Lots 1150 and 1163 tied for fourth, with an ADG Ratio of 112.

Lot 1150 is a consignment from Spring Pond Farm in Branchport, N.Y. He is a son of F Building Trust 335 with EPDs of BW 0.8, WW 53, M 29, YW 90, RFI 1.57 and an Effi-

ADG

Rat

WDA

YR

IND

SC

Eff

3.78

113

3.25

101

104

35.5

103

BW

WW

Milk

YW

365

REA

IMF

-0.2

50

24

100

1193

102

130

Out of a Final Answer daughter /3 t :3 t $&%

Lot 132

.JOEFNBOO 6QTIPU $ 4JSF &9"3 6QTIPU # ADG

Rat

WDA

YR

IND

SC

3.07

92

3.25

101

97

39.0

Eff 87

BW

WW

Milk

YW

365

REA

IMF

2.6

69

32

123

1208

93

107

5PQ 88 BOE 8 $8 ' # Out of a New Standard dam /3 t $&%

4IF T B GVMM TJTUFS UP 3# "DUJWF %VUZ NBUFSOBM TJTUFS UP 3# 5PVS PG %VUZ B GVMM TJTUFS TPME UP )FSCTUFS "OHVT /&

Lot 130

~ All Bulls 50K Genomics Tested ~ Also Selling Lot 128 129 131

Birth 1-3-15 1-26-15 2-10-15

Sire Connealy Consensus 7229 AAR Ten X 7008 SA Leachman Right Time

ADG 3.23 3.30 3.09

Rat 97 99 92

WDA 2.95 3.02 3.20

YW 94 93 99

IND 97 98 98

365 1132 1102 1174

SC 36.5 38.0 37.5

Eff 93 106 99

ciency Ratio of 103.

Lot 1163, a son of Showshoe 37W Trijicon 61Y, was consigned by Frank Herefords of Columbus, Mont. The bull showed EPDs of BW 3, WW 55, M 21, YW 96, RFI 0.53 and an Efficiency Ratio of 103.

Lot 1152 completed the top five with an ADG Ratio of 107. The Spring Pond Farm consignment was also sired by F Building Trust 335 and has EPDs of BW 1.8, WW 53, M 27, YW 92, RFI -0.99 and an Efficiency Ratio of 103.

WDA leaders The weight per day of age (WDA) category was topped by lot 1169, consigned by Frank Herefords, with a WDA of 3.28. Sired

by L3 Mr Rango 363, the bull has EPDs of BW 4.8, WW 56, M 23, YW 102, RFI -3.40 and an Efficiency Ratio of 110.

Lot 1150 posted a second-high WDA of 3.17, and he was followed by lot 1152, posting a 3.14 WDA. In the fourth place slot was lot 1163 with a WDA of 3.11.

The top five were wrapped up with lot 1153â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s WDA of 3.03.

Results were compiled on March 21, 2016 from Final Reports released by Midland Bull Test. Complete results from the Hereford bulls at the Midland Bull Test are available at midlandbulltest.com/wp-content/uploads/ HE-FINAL.pdf.

Willer Timber ridge

.JOEFNBOO "MM 1BZPĂŞ $

Sire: PVF All Payoff 8057

RFI -0.07 and an Efficiency Ratio of 100. He was sired by WTSH hilltops Samson.

Results were compiled on March 21, 2016 from Final Reports released by Midland Bull Test. For the complete results from the Gelbviehâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on test, visit midlandbulltest.com/wp-content/uploads/GE-FINAL.pdf.

Hereford bulls perform to high standards

SELLING 5 ANGUS PROSPECTS 2-27-15

an Efficiency Ratio of 93.

In third, lot 1059 hit a WDA of 3.36.

He was followed by lot 1050, with a WDA of 3.33.

Rounding out the top five, lot 1058, another Steve Smith Gelbvieh consignment, hit a WDA of 3.05.

The bull has EPDs of BW 1.9, WW 76, M 22, YW 114,

Willer Timber Ridge bulls have competed at MBT for almost 20 years. Bulls have been #1 ADG; #2 get of sire for ADG; #2 ADG; and top 5 feed multiple times. But WTR is most proud of our ... always

L O T

L O T

1 3 3

1 3 8

L O T

L O T

1 4 0

1 3 9

Lot/Tatoo 133/505 136/522 138/528 139/530 140/546

BW 95 35 85 95 35

WW 5 40 10 2 45

YW 5 40 10 5 45

Milk 10 10 10 15 10

CW 4 55 10 5 60

MB 2 35 15 2 65

REA 30 10 15 25 50

$W 15 15 15 10 25

$B 2 35 4 2 60

Sire Baldridge Waylon W34 Sitz Top Game 561X Baldridge Waylon W34 Baldridge Waylon W34 WTR 9403 Right Answer 305

* Numbers in above chart are EPD % Rank, not traditional EPDs * â&#x20AC;˘ 136 and 140 are CALVING EASE bulls... but with built in Power for extra profit! â&#x20AC;˘ All 5 bulls in Top 25% for $W, one of the most critical profit/maternal traits for cow/calf producers. â&#x20AC;˘ 133 and 139 are extremely HIGH MARBLlNG bulls... 133 had 6.26% adj IMF, ratio 142 and top 2% MB EPD! â&#x20AC;˘ 133 and 139 are 3/4 brothers from same grandam who produced #2 get of sire. â&#x20AC;˘ PROVEN COW FAMILIES mean everything when looking at the bull... youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll like what you see! â&#x20AC;˘ FEED EFFICIENCY as an extra plus... 138 ratio 108 and 136 ratio 103.

Look for us on the MBT sale day or call us anytime with your questions.

Ted Willer (765) 721-0420 cell or Josh Willer (765) 719-2005 3JDL .JOEFNBOO t t mindemannfarms.com

Willer Timber Ridge (765) 653-2364 www.wtrangus.com â&#x20AC;˘ Greencastle, IN â&#x20AC;&#x153;Customer Driven Balanced Carcass Cattle from Bull Maker Momsâ&#x20AC;?

Wyoming Livestock Roundup

Page A11

Top set of South Devon provide high-quality options for bull buyers at Midland Lots 998 through 1049, the South Devon bulls, are sure to provide a number of options for prospective buyers. They will sell April 7 at 12 noon, immediately after the Red Angus bull sale.

The high performing South Devon bull was lot 1032, with an average daily gain (ADG) of 3.94 and an actual weight per day of age (WDA) at 3.60.

He was also the high efficiency South Devon bull, with an Efficiency Ratio of 121.

ADG leaders An ADG Ratio of 129 posted by lot 1032 started the South Devon bulls at the top. Lot 1032, consigned by MJB in Lodge Grass, Mont. The son of MJB All American 403A has EPDs of BW 3.6, WW 74, M 36, YW 123, RFI 0.37 and an Efficiency

Ratio of 121.

In a close second, lot 1012 posted an ADG Ratio 128. Consigned by MJB, the bull was sired by DLCC Hudson 82U and has EPDs of BW 2, WW 35, M 29, YW 83, RFI -4.28 and an Efficiency Ratio of 117.

Third place went to another MJB consignment with an ADG Ratio of 126.

This son of DLCC Hudson 82U has EPDs of BW 4.1, WW 51, M, 29, YW 97, RFI 1.7 and an Efficiency Ratio of 102.

In a tie for fourth, MJB consignments lots 1014 and 1015 posted an ADG Ratio of 123.

Lot 1014, sired by Cimmaron Avenger 234Z, posted EPDs of BW 3.7, WW 41, M 29, YW 90, RFI -0.04 and an Efficiency Ratio of 110.

Lot 1015 has EPDs of BW 2.7, WW 46, M 28,

YW 96, RFI -2.27 and an Efficiency Ratio of 117. He is a son of Cimarron Rebel 941W. An ADG Ratio of 120 from lot 1013 closed out the ADG leaders for the South Devon bulls. This MJB consignment is another DLCC Hudson 82U son. He has EPDs of BW 2, WW 35, M 29, YW 83, RFI -2.73 and an Efficiency Ratio of 118.

WDA leaders In the WDA category, lot 1032 took the top spot again with a WDA of 3.60.

Lots 1017 and 1002 tied for second, with a WDA of 3.49.

Lot 1002, a son of DLCC Shur LOC 99W from Haycow of Lincoln, Calif., has EPDs of BW 0, WW 15, M 11, YW 32, RFI 0.22 and an Efficiency Ratio of 94.

Lot 1017 is another

MJB consignment. The bull was sired by MJB Swagger 330Z and has EPDs of BW 1.6, WW 56, M 35, YW 104, RFI 0.13 and an Efficiency Ratio of 115. Courtesy photo In third was lot 2006, a consignment from Haycow with a WDA of 3.45.

He was sired by DLCC Shur LOC 99W. His EPDs are BW 0.8, WW 24, M 11, YW 44, RFI 0.13 and an

Efficiency Ratio of 101.

MJB consignment lot 1019 posted a WDA of 3.31, slating him fourth among the WDA leaders. Sired by MJB Swagger 330Z, the bull has EPDs of BW 3.1, WW 58, M 29, YW 109, RFI -1.68 and an Efficiency Ratio of 110.

In another tie, lots 1014 and 1018 both posted a WDA of 3.29.

Lot 1018, another MJB

consignment, was sired by MJB Swagger 330Z and has EPDs of BW 2.8, WW 56, M 28, YW 104, RFI -0.90 and an Efficiency Ratio of 106.

Results were compiled on March 21, 2016 from Final Reports released by Midland Bull Test. Complete results from the Red Angus bulls can be found by visiting midlandbulltest. com/wp-content/uploads/ RA-FINAL.pdf.

WDA - Lot 1017 tied for a second high ranking WDA among the South Devon bulls with a WDA of 3.49.

Another MJB consignment from Lodge Grass, Mont. the bull was sired by MJB Swagger 330Z and has EPDs of BW 1.6, WW 56, M 35, YW 104, RFI 0.13 and an Efficiency Ratio of 115. Courtesy photo

Outstanding Performance - #1 and #2 ADG #1 ADGag White T 2 Group

D-D Super Duty 60 2-9-15

ADG contest - For the South Devon bulls, lot 1012 posted a second-high ADG Ratio of 128 during the 2016 Midland Bull Test. Consigned by MJB of Lodge Grass, Mont., the bull was sired by DLCC Hudson 82U and has EPDs of BW 2, WW 35, M 29, YW 83, RFI -4.28 and an Efficiency Ratio of 117. Courtesy photo

TOP ANGUS PROSPECTS All Bulls are 50K Genomics Tested HAF Windy 702JH 3315

L O T 3 1 5 1-18-15

by H A R B Windy 702 JH

HAF Cedar Ridge IV 3935 ADG

RAT

WDA

YR

IND

SC

3.61

108

3.10

103

102

38.0

BW

WW

Milk

YW

365

Eff

-0.1

51

31

88

1222

97

Out of an S Chisum 6175 dam. The dam is a first calf heifer and full sister to the 2015 MBT Champion ADG Bull Group 1, 140 Index award winner.

Maternal grandam is a Pathfinder dam with a weaning ratio of 107(5).

Lot

Birth

Sire

316

1-17-15

S Chisum 6175

ADG

RAT

WDA

YR

IND

SC

3.87

116

3.63

112

109

39.0

BW

WW

Milk

YW

365

Eff

3.9

52

29

97

1349

101

1-10-15

YR

IND

IND

SC

4.67 140 3.22 BW WW Milk 4.1 64 32

100 YW 107

112 365 1214

32.5 EFF 98

Out of a SAV Net Worth dam 1 NR 108 Mat Grandam 8 NR 109 • 6 YR 107 #2 ADGag White T 2 Group

4.49 135 3.44 102 113 37.5 BW WW Milk YW 365 EFF 1.8 50 22 98 1237 107 Out of the same dam as Lot 665.

He is bred like some of the top performing bulls at Schaff’s

Lot 663

D-D Resource 23 1-14-15

by SAV Resource 1441

ADG Rat WDA

YR

IND

SC

3.78 114 3.41 BW WW Milk 1.6 69 32

108 YW 129

110 365 1296

37.5 EFF 107

Dam Prod 2 NR 105 Mat Grandam 2 NR 114

D-D Resource T21 1-13-15

1-1-15

ADG Rat 3.29 99

3.11

YR

SC

Lot 179

Also Offering

Cole Creek Cedar Ridge IV

ADG Rat WDA

L O T

by Cole Creek Cedar Ridge IV

WDA 3.05

YR 365 IND SC Eff 97 1160 99 34.0 99

(Out of an N-Bar Prime Time D806 daughter with a weaning ratio of 105(2). This bull has a balanced EPD profile with good docility, calving ease and a $B of 132. The maternal grandam is a 004 cow from Dr. Burleigh Anderson’s Meadow Mist herd.)

318

2-9-15 by SAV Angus Valley 1867

His dam is an 878 daughter with a weaning ratio of 107(3). The maternal grandam is a Dakota 820 of Ideal daughter with a weaning ratio of 103(8).

3 1 7

ADG Rat WDA

Lot 665

D-D Angus Valley 208

by R B Tour of Duty 177

93

3.01

94 1112

HAUMAN ANGUS Dewey & Mary Hauman Penn Yan, NY • 315-536-8154

96 41.5 100

by SAV Resource 1441

ADG Rat WDA

YR

IND

SC

3.52 106 3.15 100 105 39.0 BW WW Milk YW 365 EFF 4.0 60 29 109 1200 114 Dam Prod 2 NR 105 Mat Grandam 2 NR 113

Lot 178

Additional Bulls Selling Are Sons Of: • Jindra Double Vision • Hoover Dam • SAV Bismarck 5682 • SAV Angus Valley 1867 • SAV 707 Rito 9969 • KMacholan Shrapnel 541

Double D Ranch

Linwood, NE • 402-641-7496

2016 Midland Bull Test Edition

Page A12

Scientists make progress in embryo preservation, genotyping Genotyping embryos that are produced in vitro, or in an artificial environment, is becoming more of a reality thanks to the work of scientists at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, Calif.

Researcher Fernando Campos-Chillon says, “Genotyping embryos involves so many different disciplines – embryology, molecular biology and so forth. It’s very complicated.”

Not only is producing embryos in a laboratory environment a relatively new technology, he adds that the following steps – including freezing of the embryos – present a problem.

In vitro production Campos-Chillon says, “The in vitro production system is very simple. We have simulated an ovary, and we need to incubate the oocytes.”

Next, semen is processed through a density gradient to separate the cytoplasm from the sperm and to obtain a rich sperm population.

“Sperm go into culture and into an incubator for six or seven days, depending on the application,” he says. “Then we get embryos. The nice-looking embryos have a potential

to create a calf.”

The highest rate of fertilization that they see are around 70 percent, and Campos-Chillon adds that they are able to reach pregnancy rates of around 55 percent by implanting in vitro embryos.

“We average around 7.5 embryos transferred per session, and we see around 4.5 pregnancies per session,” he says. “The system is getting more consistent.”

However, genotyping the embryo isn’t as simple as just creating it.

Genotyping Genotyping is based in the technology of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).

“When we have a strand of DNA from one individual and one from another, we can see a single nucleotide difference in the chain,” Campos-Chillon explains. “Scientists have been able to look at these changes and then relate them to specific traits that we are looking at.”

Traits, such as calving ease and growth, have been correlated, and producers are interested in genotyping embryos before they are implanted to see if the resulting calves will exhibit desired traits.

“To genotype the

embryos, we need to have enough DNA,” Campos-Chillon says.

Several techniques can be used to retrieve the DNA, with varying levels of success.

Micro-Blade dissection involves cutting a piece of the embryo away, which can result in genetic defects.

“We tried to do this with lab-produced embryos, and we managed to kill them all,” he says.

“We had to look for alternatives.”

Piezo-assisted drilling (PAD) and laser-assisted drilling (LAD) are techniques that allow the blastocyst to be dislodged to extract a sample.

In PAD, the piezo is a small jackhammer-like device that creates holes to dislodge cells from the membrane. DNA is extracted from dislodged cells, amplified and then genotyped.

For LAD, a laser is used to stimulate production of a tropoblast, which essentially herniates from the blastocyst and provides cell samples without harming the embryo itself.

Amplification After samples are obtained, an additional challenge comes in the fact that small DNA samples may be difficult to amplify

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so enough DNA is present to genotype.

“We also get allelic dropout when we amplify DNA,” Campos-Chillon says. “Basically, one of the alleles of the genome doesn’t get amplified.”

Additionally, low call rates can be a problem. The call rate is defined by the number of correctly identified SNPs over the total number of SNPs for the data set.

“This number has to be over 0.9 or we get discrepancies when we fill in the blanks in the genome,” he says. “Those are the technical challenges.”

Whole-genomic amplification can also be utilized, if the results must be extremely accurate.

Preservation After DNA is collected, amplification and genotyping take time, so Campos-Chillon says the embryos must be frozen, a process called cryopreservation.

“Our embryos are good, but we get in trouble with cryopreservation because they aren’t that good,” he says. “They have a lot of lipids.”

High lipid content is associated with low cryosurvival, he continues, because embryo membranes lose fluidity, lipid peroxidation occurs and osmotic shock may result.

Several cryopreservation strategies may be employed to attempt to mitigate for lipid content.

“Some labs try to reduce lipid content, and that has worked okay,” he says. “There are two tech-

“Genotyping embryos involves so many different disciplines– embryology, molecular biology and so forth. It’s very complicated.”

– Fernando Campos-Chillon, California Polytechnic State University niques for cryopreservation we can also use.”

Slow freezing was developed in 1992 and can be used with ethylene glycol for direct embryo transfer.

Embryos may also be preserved through vitrification, which creates a physical state similar to glass. There is a theoretical advantage to vitrification, he says, but it is a challenging procedure with multiple formulations and other downfalls.

“Vitrified embryos are not user-friendly because we have to warm the embryo, put it under the microscope and do several steps before we implant it,” he says. “It might take 10 to 15 minutes per embryo, which is a lot of time.”

A final approach is to collapse the blastocoele fluid prior to preservation in an attempt to preserve the embryos better.

Experiments Campos-Chillon and his team of researchers performed four experiments to determine the best methods of cryopreservation.

First, they used a collapsed blastocoele and intact blastocoele. Then, the embryos were frozen using slow freezing with glycerol, a vitrification process and an open-pulled straw and liquid nitrogen.

“The main effect was that, on re-expansion, col-

lapsing the blastocoele is superior than leaving the blastocoele intact,” he says.

He also notes that vitrification was the superior method of cryopreservation, but the expense and impracticality of the technique disqualified it from future experiments.

Next, he looked at the effect of re-expansion of intact embryos versus PAD-biopsied embryos.

The PAD-biopsied embryos had better re-expansion. Those embryos were also preserved using slow freezing by both ethylene glycol and glycerol, as well as the open-pulled straw method.

“The ethylene glycol was 70 percent compared to glycerol and open pulled straw at 86 and 85 percent successful re-expansion,” Campos-Chillon says.

“These two techniques are not user-friendly, though.”

Finally, they looked at call rates of PAD compared to LAD biopsied cells, finding greatly improved results from LAD. “The call rates seem sufficient for robust analyses, but we need to look at the calves to corroborate the validity of our genotyping,” he concludes.

Saige Albert is managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup and can be reached at saige@ wylr.net.

The Wyoming Livestock Roundup team would like to thank Bill Angell for all of his hard work in helping put together the Midland Bull Test Edition.

His incredible effort selling and laying out ads helps this edition come together each year.

Thanks, Bill!

Wyoming Livestock Roundup

Page A13

Water study looks at potential genetic components of water intake in cattle During years of drought, Megan Rolf of Oklahoma State University notes that lots of questions about water come up.

“The question came up recently as to how much water cattle are actually drinking and how much variation surrounds those measures,” Rolf says. “Up to that point, I don’t know that we’d really thought all that much about water compared to things like feed intake, but water is really an essential nutrient.”

Water is utilized in biological processes ranging from temperature regulation and growth to digestion and metabolism, and literature estimates put cattle consumption at 760 billion liters of water per year.

“That’s a lot of water intake in cattle cumulatively, and it is influenced by a variety of things, including physiological parameters like size and weight,” she says. “Bigger animals have an increased need for water. Lactation status, as well, influences water intake.”

Water intake is also influenced by environmental parameters, which include ambient temperature and solar radiation.

“For all breeds of cattle, as we increase the temperature and solar radiation, water intake increases, but it is also influenced by other environmental factors,” Rolf explains. “Things like humidity contribute to heat stress or regulation of body temperatures, which contributes to the amount of water cattle are drinking.”

As the temperature humidity index increases, water intake increases, as well.

Dry matter “There’s also a relationship between water and dry

matter intake,” Rolf says.

While the relationship between the traits is not consistently proven, some studies show that a relationship is present.

“As we might imagine, ration type often contributes to that,” she explains. “If we think about animals eating a largely prairie hay diet compared to animals that might be eating high moisture silage, those differences would probably be reflected in the moisture content of the diet.”

Salt content also influences water intake, and Rolf references numerous studies related to small number of animals with restricted feed or water intake.

“When we restrict one, it restricts the other,” Rolf explains. “It also increases digestibility when we restrict water because it slows the passage rate of the feed.”

Sustainability connections As sustainability and water consumption have hit the news as hot topics over the last few years, Rolf notes the capability to reduce the water use of the beef industry is tempting.

“I’m not going to say that we can’t do this, but that isn’t what we are looking at in this project,” she says.

“We’re looking at if we have water issues like drought and there is a dramatic decrease in available water. That is where we might think about water intake as important.”

Many of the beef animals in the U.S. are present in areas where available precipitation is limited.

Research efforts “We have to start by thinking about how much variation there is in water intake,” Rolf comments, noting that a study from 2012 isolated the important environmental parameters in

assessing water intake.

“The study looked at 8,000 pen records over four years, and they include a variety of environmental parameters,” she explains.

“The ones they found important were temperature of the previous day, temperature of the current day, changes in temperature, wind speed and the temperature and humidity index.”

While the correlation between the data wasn’t particularly significant, Rolf adds that they further began to think about whether water intake is a heritable trait.

Several studies in mice have looked at adipsia and polydispsia, or extreme lack of thirst.

“If we take a look at water intake in mice, the heritability is actually pretty high,” she explains, also noting that the same is true when body weights were normalized.

A 2002 study done in mice utilized 323 animals from 28 inbred strains. After four days, the variation in water intake for mice was wide.

“In some cases, there was a two-fold difference between the lowest and the highest rating, and there was a lot of variation in both food and water intake that was independent of body weight,” Rolf said.

Beef studies Studies in beef cattle show differences across breeds, as well as across animals.

“If we standardize the studies based on metabolic body weight, we can see differences between bos taurus and bos indicus breeds,” Rolf says.

Currently at Oklahoma State University, Rolf says she is working on a fiveyear integrated project to

look at water availability, water intake and the impact of water and temperature-related stresses on beef cattle.

Their study utilizes systems that weigh feed and water rations, with the opportunity to restrict feed and water.

“We start with a 21-day acclimation period to get them used to the system,” Rolf explains. “Following that, we do a 70-day test to establish baseline values for feed and water intake.”

Each cycle runs 120 cattle through the test, and over five years, they’ll test 840 animals through the facility.

Each of four pens have 30 animals at one time, and data is collected.

“We collect blood samples to evaluate health status along with health records,” she adds. “We also collect respiration rates on these animals, and we have a subset with rumen temperature boluses.”

They are also working on a behavioral analysis evaluation, and they collect rumen and fecal samples, in addition to measuring the activity of cattle using pedometers.

Baseline data While the study is just over half way done, Rolf notes that some preliminary data is available to provide a baseline.

“We ended up with 117 out of the 120 steers completing the study,” she says.

“We have to start by thinking about how much variation there is in water intake.”

– Megan Rolf, Oklahoma State University “Feed intakes did have some differences between these groups, particularly in the high group.”

Rolf continues, “Just like in the mouse studies and like we see in feed intake data, there were animals that ate very similar amounts of feed as a percentage of body weight with some pretty dramatic differences in water intake.”

As an example, Rolf says animals were eating about two percent of their body weight, and water intake ranged from six to 14 percent of their body weight.

On the high end, animals eating just over 2.5 percent

Water consumption - Megan Rolf is exploring the genetic components related to water consumption in cattle. She notes that the information could be particularly relevant in times of drought then water supplies are limited. Saige Albert photo

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of their body weight were drinking between eight and 16 percent.

Blood samples are currently being analyzed, as well, to determine genetic correlations.

“There were some pretty dramatic differences,” she says. “Of course, we still have a lot of animals to go.

The third group is on test now.”

Rolf spoke during the 2015 Beef Improvement Federation Annual Meeting.

Saige Albert is managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to saige@wylr.net.

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2016 Midland Bull Test Edition

Page A14

South Dakota State University looks at increasing pregnancy rates in cows George Perry, South Dakota State University (SDSU) professor and Extension beef reproduction management specialist, started several years ago looking at fixed-time artificial insemination (AI) protocols that were benefiting the industry.

“We noticed that cows that have a larger follicle and exhibit estrus prior to fixed-time AI have

increased productivity,” Perry says. “Looking at data from over 10,000 head, we saw a 27 percent improvement in AI conception rates in animals that showed increased estradiol production and estrus prior to fixed-time AI.” The question now, he says, is what is driving that change and how can ranchers apply the information on the ground?

Increasing calf numbers - George Perry and South Dakota State University are looking at how to increase conception rates in cows when artificially inseminating animals. Madeline Robinson photo

“If we can understand the physiology of why they are getting the improved conception, maybe we can get improved overall conception rates,” Perry adds.

Previous research In the last several years, Perry continues that students have worked to investigate what happens in the uterine environment during pregnancy to try to find an answer.

“We’ve taken animals and mimicked the estrus cycle,” he says.

He also notes that they’ve worked with embryos to improve production of cows, and one of the things they have found is that high concentrations of estradiol result in improved embryo quality.

“When we start off with a good quality embryo, we know we have a higher survival rate by the time we ultrasound,” Perry comments.

In particular, estradiol is the hormone that signals the onset of estrus, and Perry says they are also looking at how to stimulate estradiol production.

“In the U.S., we can’t legally give cows estradiol to help their system, so we can’t just give them a shot,” he says.

Previous studies conducted at SDSU have looked at embryo quality on the sixth day after fertil-

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ization, as well as day 29.

“Right now, we’re trying to determine when embryos are dying,” he continues. “We’ve looked at days six and 29, so this year we’re looking at day 16 to see if they are surviving to maternal recognition of pregnancy.”

Pregnancy Perry hypothesizes that the problem is occurring at the time the embryo attempts to attach to the uterus.

“Ruminants are interesting because the embryo survives in the uterus three to four weeks without attaching,” he says. “They live on what the uterus is secreting.”

He says that if researchers can identify the hormone the uterus secretes to stimulate attachment, it may help to improve embryo survival.

“If we can figure out some of these mechanisms, we might have methods we can use to impact embryo survival,” Perry explains.

“We’ve looked at glucose and different signals from the body that provide nutrients to the embryo.”

Perry continues that they have looked at and measured gene expression,

“If we can figure out some of these mechanisms, we might have methods we can use to impact embryo survival.” – George Perry, South Dakota State University as well as the things that are changing around the time of estrus to learn more about the process.

Producer focused Perry comments that SDSU is searching for very practical application for producers when doing their research.

As an example, Perry notes that several years ago, SDSU looked at nutrition changes at the time of AI and their impact on embryo survival.

“We learned that the time of AI is not the time to change the diet of our cows. Don’t turn them out to grass or take them off feed around the time of AI,” Perry says. “We’ve done a lot with producers.”

For this project, he comments that it is important for producers to make sure they are seeing signs of estrus prior to AIing.

“We’ve had several producers who went to do fixed-time AI, and they saw very few animals in estrus.

At that point, they knew

Bull research While embryo survival in cows is the primary focus of South Dakota State University’s George Perry, he is also looking at the male side of the equation.

“One of the big concerns from producers is why there is such a big difference in conception rates,” he says.

“Why does one bull have great conceptions and another one doesn’t? We’re trying to look at the factors to see what might cause the problems.”

In initial studies, they analyzed liquid semen compared to frozen semen, anticipating that they would get improved breed-up from the liquid because it didn’t go through the stress of freezing.

“Unfortunately, we saw just as big of a difference in conception rates,” Perry says. “We are now really trying to get into the factors that help semen survive longer.”

something went wrong,” he says, noting that if producers recognize their cows are hit in estrus, they should contact their AI tech or reproductive specialist rather than proceeding with AI. “It gives us a point to start troubleshooting from the beginning rather than waiting until they aren’t pregnant 45 or 60 days later when we’re preg-checking.”

As an example, one producer with 300 head had set up a fixed-time AI protocol. On the day he went to inseminate his cattle, only three had activated the patches signaling estrus.

“He stopped and called. We figured out that he had his timing wrong,” Perry says. “He was out there a day early. If he hadn’t been looking for estrus activity, he would have bred everything and had a wreck.”

“We really need to be watching for estrus as producers because that tells us that everything is set up and ready to go,” Perry comments.

With some insights into what producers can do to improve their conception rates, he adds that SDSU will continue their work to determine how the system works.

Perry comments, “The next step is to show how we can apply what we know to get better embryo survival.”

Saige Albert is managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup and can be reached at saige@wylr. net.

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Page A15

All-heifer system eliminates cowherd, provides potential for profits When looking at the cowherd, George Seidel of Colorado State University (CSU) says that 70 percent of the feed energy in the entire beef system goes to the cow/calf herd.

He also notes that, of that, 50 percent goes to cow maintenance, while 20 percent goes to lactation, gestation and maintaining the replacement heifers.

“In addition to considering the direct costs like feed, labor, infrastructure and capital, we have to consider the indirect costs from our carbon footprint, greenhouse gases and potential pollutants,” Seidel says. “With half of the feed energy in the system going to cow maintenance, we get no net increase in beef.”

He continues, “In fact, we get older cows that lose value. This contributes to inefficiencies, so why not just get rid of the cowherd?”

New system “In this theoretical system, we’d eliminate the cowherd,” Seidel says.

He mentions that this idea has been around for many years, with work from CSU’s Jack Whittier and Kansas State University’s John Brethard doing many studies on single-calf heifer systems.

“In the theoretical system, we have each

heifer replacing herself with a heifer calf. We wean early and fatten her for two to 2.5 months, and she is slaughtered before she reaches 30 months of age,” he explains.

The system utilizes both a forage- and grainbased diet, with forage as the staple for the first 26 months of the heifer’s life followed by a short finishing period on grain.

Getting started Seidel says he began his experiments with this system by purchasing a set of Angus-based yearling heifers. In the spring of 2013, he purchased 54 commercial heifers.

“I bred them with polled Hereford sexed semen and bought a polled Hereford cleanup bull,” he says. “Those calved in March and April 2014, and they were slaughtered in September 2014. Then I started with a second set in the spring of 2014.”

Seidel mentions that two sets of heifers are necessary to see income every year.

“I started with my foundation set in 2013,” he explains. “A second founder set was bred in 2014, and they were slaughtered in September 2015. Calves from the first foundation set were bred in 2015, and they will be slaughtered in 2016. The

second set of calves that were born in 2016 will be slaughtered in 2017 after they have calves.”

“We have a product every year, and right now, I have three sets of calves,” Seidel says. “It can get a little bit complicated but it works nicely.”

He also adds that they use a variety of tools in the industry to achieve these goals.

“We’re using all the tricks of the trade – sexed semen, crossbreeding, fence-line weaning and so on,” he says.

A few challenges While the system is based in perfect conception rates and survival, Seidel notes that it is not entirely self-sustaining, and some replacement animals will be necessary.

“Sexed semen is not 100 percent accurate,” he says. “When we do everything right, it’s about 90 percent. It also, obviously, requires artificial insemination.”

Using sexed semen, he anticipates a 45 to 55 percent conception rate each year.

In addition, when using a cleanup bull, the percentage of heifers drops from 90 to 50 percent.

“As I suggested earlier, some of the calves also die, and not all of them

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will get pregnant, so we’ll need some replacements,” he comments. “There’s no shortage of heifers in the system for replacements.

We slaughter 3 million heifers each year. Another source of replacements are the late-calving heifers that may not be profitable in other systems but may fit in here.”

Heifer challenges Some producers also express concern with an entirely heifer-based system as a result of calving and growing concerns.

“When I discuss this system with producers, the first thing that usually comes up is calving heifers,” Seidel says. “We don’t have the same problems calving heifers as we did a century ago because one can select low calving difficulty sires.”

At the same time, heifer calves average five pounds lighter than bull calves, which also helps alleviate calving difficulties.

“One can make that up, to some extent, with implants,” he says.

He adds that concerns about growing heifers are still present because heifers don’t gain as well in the feedlot as steers. The fertility of sexed semen is also lower, but Seidel says, “Sexed

“Back-of-envelope calculations suggest we can get the same amount of beef with about 30 percent fewer feed inputs using an all-heifer system.” – George Seidel, Colorado State University semen is continually improving, but it’s still a big cost.”

Another potential challenge is that pregnancy stimulates production of hormones that accelerate bone hardening, which makes animals appear older from the standpoint of packers. As a result, the animals may be discounted when they are sold to the slaughter house.

However, other benefits in the system may offset these concerns.

Benefits In the system, there are a number of fringe benefits.

“One benefit is that we have no first-calf heifers that we need to breed for their second calf,” Seidel explains. “Those are the most difficult critters on the ranch to get pregnant, and we just eliminate them in this system.”

He adds that the older cows that tend to get cancer eye, mastitis, feed and leg problems or other health challenges are eliminated.

“It also greatly

decreases the generational interval because we are selecting every generation,” Seidel says. “In the current cowherd, the average genetics are seven years old. In this system, we replace the herd every year with heifers.”

Longevity is also no longer a concern in the system.

“Probably the biggest thing is that there is no cowherd to maintain, so we can potentially really increase efficiency,” he says. “All the animals are growing, we can get more beef per unit of feed, at least in theory.”

Seidel adds, “Back-of-envelope calculations suggest we can get the same amount of beef with about 30 percent fewer feed inputs using an all-heifer system. Right now, we’re studying the economics. Most of our data are not yet analyzed, so we don’t have any concrete results.”

Saige Albert is managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup and can be reached at saige@wylr.net.

2016 Midland Bull Test Edition

Page A16

SDSU Extension: Proper tools and handling increase success of AI procedures “Before we start any artificial insemination (AI) project, we need to make sure we have all the correct equipment,” states South Dakota State University (SDSU) Beef Reproduction Management Specialist George Perry.

Using the right equipment can limit factors that damage semen and increase the chances of success in AI procedures.

Retrieving straws “One thing that is needed is a pair of forceps that can reach into the tank to the correct depth to get a straw,” Perry begins.

Forceps with a slight angle and grooves at the tip have been designed specifically to fit into the neck of a semen straw storage tank to easily remove individual straws.

“This is important because we don’t want our fingers to touch the wrong straws and begin to thaw them,” he explains.

Having a sharp pair of scissors is also useful, and special tools have been designed to efficiently cut straws with precision.

“We also need to have a way to thaw the straws of semen. We can use an electronic water bath that is plugged in to maintain the correct temperature, or we can also use a thermos with water that is heated to the correct temperature,” he notes.

One challenge to be aware of with a thermos is the temperature change in the water as frozen straws are submerged in the bath.

Monitoring the water and adding warm water as necessary is important when using this method, according to Perry.

“We also need some sort of timing device with a second hand to track how long the straws have been in the water, and we need towels to dry the straws off,” he continues.

AI gun An AI gun is also necessary, and there are a number of different kinds, including O-ring guns and spiral guns, each with a different mechanism for securing the sheath that holds the straws.

“With that being said, we need the correct sheath.

A sheath that is not split on the ends goes into the spiral guns, and the sheaths that do have split ends fit under the O-ring,” Perry describes.

Going back to the straws in the water bath, Perry explains that straws need to be kept warm after they have thawed and before they are inserted into the cow. Guns can be kept in battery-powered gun warmers or next to a person’s warm body.

“I like to wear a button-down shirt with a t-shirt underneath so the gun is kept at body temperature, but away from the skin so I don’t introduce anything into the

cow,” he says.

Liquid nitrogen tank The nitrogen tank for storing straws is also a key tool for AI. The tank is double-walled, filled with insulation and vacuum-sealed to maintain the temperature of liquid nitrogen inside.

“One thing to remember when dealing with liquid nitrogen, or anything that comes out of it, is it’s very cold – about negative 320 degrees Fahrenheit (F). We need to take safety precautions anytime we are dealing with it,” Perry remarks.

About four inches down the neck of the tank, a frost line develops and liquid nitrogen warms to roughly negative 160 degrees F when it reaches that point.

“Even though semen will stay frozen at that temperature, if we get it above that line for any extended period of time, it will begin to thaw and can damage the sperm inside,” he explains.

Submerged in liquid nitrogen within the tank, two narrow canisters hold canes of semen, and each cane has two goblets – or tubes, that hold five straws each.

Extracting straws “To pull semen out of the tank, we pick up the canister, reach into the neck of the tank with our forceps, pick up a cane, take out our first straw and place it into the thaw bath,” Perry states. “We want to try to minimize the amount of time that canister is up in the neck, so we want to move as quickly as we can and return that canister down into the liquid nitrogen to keep the semen at the correct temperature.”

Before beginning the AI process, SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist Warren Rusche suggests creating a list of which cows are being bred to which bulls, which canister each bull’s semen is located in and what the cane codes are for each bull.

“We don’t want to waste a lot of time deciding which cows are getting bred to what bulls and where we go to find the right straws,” he comments.

Once the correct straw is located and the inner canister is lifted up, the forceps can be used to extract a straw.

“We want to give the straw a little tap or a flick to remove any residual liquid nitrogen that might adhere to that plastic straw,” he adds.

Taking precautions Rusche also warns about being positioned directly above the thawing bath, as a defective straw or excess liquid nitrogen can occasionally cause the straw to explode and shoot straight upward, possibly injuring someone.

“We also have to remember these are live cells we are dealing with, so as we are working outside in the sun, we want to provide as much shade as possible so the sun and UV rays aren’t killing the sperm cells,” he continues.

The water in the thaw bath should be between 94 and 98 degrees F, and each straw needs to be in the bath for a minimum of 30 seconds.

“Longer is fine, as long as the semen is deposited in the cow within 15 minutes from the time it’s been placed into the water bath,” he notes.

Once the straw is removed from the bath, it should be dried off with the towel, tapped gently to move the air bubble to the top of the straw, cut at the end and inserted into the sheath.

“Then, we take the AI gun that has been in the warmer or our shirt, slide the sheath and the straw

onto the warmed gun, and secure the sheath to the gun. Once the gun is loaded and ready to use, it is placed back in the gun warmer or near the technician’s body,” he continues.

Avoiding temperature extremes and variations will help to maintain sperm viability.

Cleaning and sanitiz-

“We don’t want our fingers to touch the wrong straws and begin to thaw them.” – George Perry, SDSU Extension ing all tools and surfaces at the end of the project will also help prevent illnesses in the animals.

“These procedures ensure us the best chance of a successful outcome

with our AI project,” he says.

Natasha Wheeler is editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup and can be contacted at natasha@wylr.net.

Equipment - Proper equipment is essential for successful artificial insemination, according to George Perry of South Dakota State University. Successful insemination means more live calves will result, which equals greater profits for producers. Saige Albert photo

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Wyoming Livestock Roundup

Page B1

2016 MIDLAND BULL TEST

Section B

Omega-3 research at UW offers exciting potential for producers Laramie – Dan Rule from the University of Wyoming has been looking at the impacts of omega-3 fatty acids on cattle for a number of years, and his latest research into increasing the omega-3 content of beef has been successful.

Most recently, Rule and his team completed a study on the impact of dietary forage quality on fatty acid supplements provided to beef cattle.

“Our original goal was to determine if we could enhance the omega-3 fat in the meat of grass-fed beef,” Rule explains. “We were successful enough to continue on.”

In their second study, they looked at delivery methods for the omega-3 supplements.

“In that case, we tested heifers and steers,” he continues. “We put the omega-3 fatty acids, in the form of fish oil calcium salts, directly into molasses lick tubs. Cattle were slaughtered, and we measured concentrations in the muscle and liver.”

Increases were seen similar to those from the first study, which showed another successful result.

Latest research effort In the most recent study, Rule continued by examining the impact of forage quality

fed in combination with the supplement.

“We fed the fish oil calcium salt in a lick tub to cattle in the feedlot and on three different forage settings,” he explains. “It seems like we didn’t see any fish oil omega-3 fatty acids in the blood of the feedlot cattle, and we saw the most with the poorest quality forage.”

In a further study, pens of cattle were randomly assigned a diet of alfalfa hay, brome grass hay or an 80 percent mix of Garrison creeping meadow foxtail and 20 percent brome grass, representing a high-, mediumand low-quality forage diet, respectively.

Starting in January, they fed three groups of nine heifers the different diets. They were rotated through the forages, spending three weeks on each treatment. Blood samples and body weights were taken every seven days through the trial.

“We found that the level of omega-3 fatty acids reached its peak at a lower level for alfalfa than for heifers that were fed the Garrison-brome mix,” Rule says.

“What this means is that the level of omega-3s plateaued sooner with alfalfa compared to the medium- and poor-quality forage.”

He further explains, “The higher-quality forages probably cause easier breakdown of the omega-3 fatty acids. The higher-quality forages may require more of a supplement compared with other forages.”

In the lab Currently, Rule and his team are working in the lab to look at digestion of omega-3 supplements in the presence of each forage.

Using ruminal fluid, they are digesting the omega-3s with the forages on the benchtop to ascertain rate of breakdown of the acid.

“We are using lab methods to see how much more omega-3 supplement we would need on a high-quality forage diet to see the same level of response that we see with other forages,” he explains. “We are working to verify what we saw in the field trials.”

Rule notes that the work seen in his latest study showing a greater impact from supplementation while poor forages are consumed suggests that the greatest effect may be seen during drought when heifers are fed a low-quality forage diet.

Next steps While they’ve seen success in increasing omega-3 content in beef, Rule adds

that their most recent study showed another potentially exciting discovery.

“Incidentally, we compared breed-up of our heifers with the rest of the heifers we were breeding at the Laramie Research and Extension Center (LREC),” Rule explains. “We did show a nice response.”

All of the heifers at LREC experienced the same breeding treatment. They are fed the same brome hay that Rule was feeding in his study.

The only difference between his group of heifers and the rest was the addition of the omga-3 supplement in the diet.

“After they were bred, the heifers were preg-checked after the first artificial insemination (AI),” he continues.

“When we keep our replacements, we only keep those that conceive after the first AI. There were 22 percent more in our group of 27 heifers supplemented with omega-3s that bred up successfully compared to the heifers that were not getting the supplement.”

Rule emphasizes that, at this point, the results cannot be confirmed because they weren’t achieved in a controlled study.

“We didn’t have the right controls in place to ensure the result is scientifically valid,”

“There were 22 percent more in our group of 27 heifers supplemented with omega-3s that bred up successful compared to the heifers that were not getting the supplement.” – Dan Rule, University of Wyoming he says. “They were in the same group, same location, and they were all fed brome hay at one time. It suggests there is an effect there, but we have plans to do a controlled study to get a direct comparison of fertility in heifers.”

Rule’s work is focused on fertility of heifers because that is where the problems seems to lie for producers.

“Producers want to keep the heifers that are fertile.

Those are the ones that will end up in the cowherd,” he says. “This omega-3 supplement will hopefully increase the probability that a heifer will breed up on the first

go-around and could increase the chances of greater heifer retention.”

Second-calf heifers, he explains, provide a greater challenge to producers because they are lactating, growing and also trying to get pregnant again.

“It is possible that firstcalf heifers might benefit from this,” Rule says. “That’s what I want to find out.”

“We won’t know for sure until we test it,” he adds.

Saige Albert is managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup and can be reached at saige@wylr. net.

IN THE HARRISON TRADITION

LOT 521 • HARB HORSEPOWER 561 JH

LOT 524 • HARB MILWAUKEE 582 JH

LOT 533 • HARB RESERVE 567 JH

#2 W Green DA Grou Tag p2

#3 W Green DA Grou Tag p2

1-29-15 Sire: PA Power Tool 9108

LOT 530 • HARB PLAYBOY 581 JH

2-18-15 Sire: PA Power Tool 9108

2-17-15 Sire: H A R B Idol 112

2-6-15 Sire: V A R Reserve 1111

# Gre5 ADG Groen Tag up 2

ADG

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3.74

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3.69

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35.5

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3.40

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3.71

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3.62

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Dam Prod: 7 NR 108 • 5 YR 108

Dam Prod: 4 NR 112 • 3 YR 105

Dam Prod: 6 NR 105 • 4 YR 101

Dam Prod: 6 NR 102 • 6 YR 102

LOT 418 • HARB FARMHAND 225

LOT 422 • HARB PROTEGE 295

LOT 429 • HARB AP IMUS 205

LOT 430 • HARB IDOL 115

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3-11-15 Sire: H A R B Farmhand 080 ADG

3-20-15 Sire: Flat Mountain Protege 5

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3-9-15 Sire: Apex Imus 5103

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Dam Prod: 5 NR 111 • 3 YR 109

2-24-15 Sire: H A R B Idol 112

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Dam Prod: 10 NR 100 • 9 YR 99

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Mat Grandam: 7 NR 101 • 5 YR 100

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2016 Midland Bull Test Edition

Page B2

Transition from growing lots to breeding season is important for bull performance It can be a difficult transition for a young bull when he is turned out with cows for his first breeding season after being well fed all winter.

Most bulls are raised in very unnatural conditions. After weaning they are confined and fed concentrate feeds, pushed for fast growth. Many go through a bull test or feeding program to measure rate of gain and feed efficiency and are overly fat.

Fat bulls Although most stockmen know that fat is unhealthy for a bull, they still tend to buy the biggest, best-looking animals, and breeders keep overfeeding them because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s harder to sell a bull that wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pushed for fast gain.

Over-fat bulls need to be let down slowly. Some of them never do make the transition very well if theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been on â&#x20AC;&#x153;hotâ&#x20AC;? rations for fast growth.

They may not be as fertile if they have too much fat in the scrotum and may not hold up structurally.

The concentrated diet can cause founder and permanent damage to their feet. Bulls must be athletic, with the ability to stay sound and the endurance to cover a lot of territory and a lot of cows.

Overfeeding can per-

manently impair that ability.

Even bulls that have been developed on growing rations carry more flesh than bulls raised on grass or wintered on hay.

Some young bulls canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t handle the sudden increase in exercise and decrease in nutrition and fall apart.

Transition program It pays to have a good transitioning program after a producer brings a bull home.

Some ranchers buy bulls in the fall or winter and give the bull plenty of time to adjust to his new environment. Others bring the bulls home just a few days or weeks before turnout.

Some seedstock producers offer a feeding or wintering program. Even if bulls are sold in the fall the breeder keeps and feeds them, delivering them closer to breeding season. This works well if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a producer the buyers have faith in, knowing the bulls will be properly transitioned. Then buyers donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to worry about keeping and feeding extra bulls until turnout. They can instead rely on the breeder to have the bulls in ideal working condition at the time of delivery.

If bulls were fed concentrates from weaning time through winter, they

A WD #10 up 2 o r G

should be backed off that ration gradually to where their diet is just good quality forage. If the breeder can do that for buyers, the bull can make the transition easier.

Most bulls will not get anything but forage once they reach the ranch where theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be working.

Readjustment Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s especially important to allow plenty of time for readjustment if stockmen buy a young bull at a sale or bull test station.

Give those bulls at least a couple months on good forage, with room for exercise, before turning them out.

If possible, keep them in a pasture before turnout rather than a pen, so they get used to being in a larger area, with more room for exercise. It also helps if producers can feed bulls in an area where theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got to climb a hill or travel some distance between feed and water to get them in better physical condition before turnout with cows.

Producers can use hot wires to let bulls use a pasture, rather than penning bulls in a corral. If pastures are unavailable, bulls should be kept in the largest, driest pens, so they have some room to move around and their feet donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get soft.

If the bull has adjusted and can handle the increase in exercise, he will hold up a lot better through the breeding season without losing a lot of weight. If young bulls can end the breeding season without losing much weight, this is an indication that they were conditioned properly during their growing period after weaning.

Yearling bulls When buying yearling bulls, some ranchers keep them on their home pastures with just a few cows rather than turn them out on range. In some rugged rangelands, young bulls canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t handle too much travel in steep terrain.

Other ranchers solve the problem by turning yearling bulls out for only a short time â&#x20AC;&#x201C; often the first breeding cycle or about 21 days, then gather them, so they can rest and recover. Leaving them out for the whole breeding

season or the whole summer can be hard on young bulls in particular.

If yearling bulls are only used for a short time or kept in a small pasture with a few cows, they can handle their first breeding season nicely.

Increased care Even though yearling bulls usually work well, they are still growing and immature.

After their first breeding season, producers need to take good care of them, because the next year as two-year-olds, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re still not mature. A bull doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t usually reach his peak until age three. It may take bulls a little longer to reach peak breeding performance if theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been used hard as yearlings.

This has to be taken into consideration when managing yearling bulls after their first breeding season. There are tradeoffs when producers

use yearlings, but ranchers may get more years out of a bull by using him as a yearling.

It always pays to pull yearling bulls out of the herd early, right after breeding season or even earlier if they get tired, rather than keep them with the cows all summer and fall to give them a break and let them grow more before the next season.

When yearling bulls are brought home, they should be fed well on good-quality pasture or free-choice, high-quality hay. If producers can keep their nutritional level high enough to allow them to regain the weight they lost and keep growing, they will do better the next year.

Heather Smith Thomas is a correspondent for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

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Bringing bulls home - Because many bulls are developed on a "hot" ration, it is important to gradually shift them to a forage-based diet after bringing them home. Heather Smith Thomas photo

PERFORMANCE Plus

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Wyoming Livestock Roundup

Page B3

Artificial insemination, reproductive technology advances through the years The first use of artificial insemination was in horses and accomplished by Arab Sheiks who wanted to utilize bloodlines of tribal enemies.

They would sneak up to the other tribe’s herd at night with a mare in heat, secretly collect semen from the desired stallion in a leather pouch and take it back to their own camp to inseminate the mare.

Artificial insemination (AI) in the U.S. was first used in dairy herds in the 1930s with cooled, fresh, liquid semen transported in glass vials kept cool in ice water. Fresh semen couldn’t be transported very far. The advent of frozen semen revolutionized this process.

Beef AI got started in the early 1950s along with with performance testing of certain bulls. Importation of some European breeds was only possible by using frozen semen and AI, due to restrictions on importing live animals.

Today, the AI process is easier with use of synchronization protocols. All the cows in the herd can be bred on the same day instead of having to watch them for signs of heat. Conception rates with AI have also improved.

AI experience Willie Altenburg, a cattleman in northern Colorado, runs registered Simmental and Angus cattle and works for Genex, a company that supplies a lot of semen for AI. He says heat synchronization and artificial insemination has worked very well for heifers for many years and has become a management tool for many producers.

“We were struggling more with cow AI, however,” he says. “The advent of the CIDR and use of pros-

taglandin has really helped in that area, so we’ve been doing more cow AI.” “Synchronization and fixed-time insemination has helped a lot when working with cows, but we need an army of arms to get this accomplished. Most producers can’t breed 100 cows in one morning, and it can also be a challenge with their facilities,” he says.

Utilizing an AI company can be beneficial for producers, he adds, noting that such companies come with portable breeding barn and technicians to breed the herd within a few hours.

Moving forward Progress in AI techniques has been aided by the Beef Reproductive Task Force and Reproductive Leadership Team, who have worked to determine the best AI protocols.

The Task Force is a group of researchers who work with beef reproduction at various universities, doing studies on estrous synchronization and AI. The Leadership Team includes people from the Task Force, AI studs, the pharmaceutical industry and veterinarians. This group came up with recommended estrous synchronization protocols for AI after looking at research from all the universities on different AI systems.

“We hold conferences on applied reproductive strategies, and the committee that is formed each year updates those protocols. We try to make those almost foolproof. Now CIDRs have allowed us to be more successful with cow AI, and the systems have improved,” he explains.

AI goals “Our goal is to have six out of every 10 animals

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that leave the breeding shed pregnant on the first day of breeding season. Those numbers get breeders’ attention. When we say 60 percent pregnancy rate that doesn’t sound very good, but when we say this another way – that six out of every 10 females are pregnant on the first day of breeding season, it makes a difference, especially in terms of necessary power, with bulls at $5,000 or more,” says Altenburg.

Costs At an AI school at Fort Collins, Colo. a few years ago, the cost of using AI versus buying bulls was discussed.

“Producers at that meeting finally came to a $4,500 figure as the average price for a good bull,” says Altenburg, also noting that the price for bulls has gone up since then.

The cost per pregnancy for a bull – figuring in fences that he wrecks and the feed he eats – if a producer used him for 3.5 years and he gave 25 calves per year, was estimated at $74 per calf.

“Then we figured the AI alternative, with fixed-time insemination, breeding the cows and cleanup bulls and came up with $62 per calf.

The producers realized that AI is definitely affordable with the high cost of bulls,” Altenburg says.

Today AI is even more attractive because bulls are even more expensive.

Growing technology With the cost of AI and the cost of bulls, more large herds are incorporating AI into their business plan.

“The expertise of the people who come into these ranches to give a full service program quickly get the job done and can easily get 60 percent of the females pregnant on the first day of AI,”

he comments.

Some of the newer reproductive technologies available today include embryo transfer and sexed semen, but the average commercial cowman isn’t going to use these tools.

“Of all the things that I’ve tried in my own operation, including embryo transfer and sorted semen, AI has made me a lot more money than anything else I’ve ever done. The more AI calves I can get, the more improvement I can get,” says Altenburg.

With AI, producers can select the genetics they want for certain traits. They can also breed heifers to calving-ease bulls with high growth and good maternal traits to keep replacement heifers from that group and breed the cows to high-performance bulls or terminal sires for bigger calves to sell or to make money on retained ownership through

“Of all the things that I’ve tried in my own operation, including embryo transfer and sorted semen, AI has made me a lot more money than anything else I’ve ever done.” – Willie Altenburg, Altenburg Super Baldy Ranch the feeding phase.

“I make more money with an $18 straw of semen than I do with anything else I do with my cows,” says Altenburg.

Newer technology Some of the newer technologies may also become more affordable in the future.

Sex-sorted semen, at this point, has a lower conception rate than regular AI, but the flip side is good results on the sex.

“We guarantee more than 90 percent of the calves will be the desired sex, and we usually get closer to 98 percent. We bred a lot of cows one year to a bull with sorted semen for bull calves and ended up with only one

heifer,” he explains.

“Sexed semen allows us to do several things. If we are breeding heifers, we can use heifer semen to reduce calving problems, since heifer calves tend to be smaller at birth than bull calves and then keep replacements out of those heifers because hopefully they will be the best genetics. If a rancher is in the bull business, they can produce males and sell $5,000 to $10,000 bulls instead of $2,000 heifers,” Altenburg says.

Heather Smith Thomas is a correspondent for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@ wylr.net.

Artificial insemination - As technology advances, pregnancy rates are improving through artificial insemination. The technology can help reduce costs of high-quality bulls for producers, as well. Heather Smith Thomas photo

SELLING IN THE 2016 A fresh name for a reliable source

With the purchase of the entire Van Nice Ranch cow herd, we are pleased to continue the tradition by offering high-performing bulls in the Midland Bull Test.

#10 Eoff Rati 2 Group

Featuring the Champion ADG Sire Group - Sired by V A R Discovery 2240

#4 ADG Green Tag Group 1

1-14-15

Sire: Jindra Double Vision

Lot 367

Double J Vision

Lot 190 MBT Index 110 V N A R Ten X 5008

Lot 195 MBT Index 108 V N A R Discovery 5015

Lot 197 MBT Index 107 V N A R Ten X 5020

Sire: AAR Ten X 7008 S A • Dam: VNAR Ebone 0098

Sire: VAR Discovery 2240 • Dam: VNAR Freda 6220

Sire: AAR Ten X 7008 S A • Dam: VNAR Ebone 0098

Lot

ID

Birth

CE EPD

BW EPD

WW EPD

Milk EPD

YW EPD

$B EPD

BW

205 WT

NR

ADG

RAT

WDA

YR

365

Eff Rat

MBT IND

SC

190

5008

1-8-15

9

-0.6

57

29

108

154.31

72

786

110

3.80

114

3.23

101

1202

113

110

43.5

ADG

RAT

WDA

YR

IND

SC

192

5015

1-13-15

10

-1.1

57

39

110

148.99

73

762

103

4.00

120

3.42

101

1197

109

108

40.5

4.00

120

3.28

101

110

34.0

195

5018

1-14-15

13

-1.2

57

40

110

124.08

71

714

103

4.22

126

3.23

100

1177

103

108

42.5

BW

WW

Milk

YW

365

EFF

196*

5019

1-16-15

7

1.2

56

37

108

134.80

78

721

103

4.48

134

3.45

109

1292

112

115

41.5

-0.2

58

23

114

1227

119

197

5020

1-17-15

3

1.7

62

30

119

162.44

84

756

110

3.48

104

3.33

104

1238

108

107

40.0

Out of a BT Impressive x Pendleton dam

198

5022

1-24-15

8

0.2

60

25

112

164.87

70

676

105

3.29

98

2.96

92

1092

106

100

44.5

Double J Cattle LLC

Pilesgrove, NJ Cody Jones • 609-743-1348

Lots 190, 197 and 198 are sired by AAR Ten X 7008 S A. Lots 192, 195 and 196 are sired by VAR Discovery 2240.

*Lot 196 - Champion Angus Low Birth Weight Average Daily Gain (ADG) Bull - and - Champion Group 1 ADG Bull.

Please contact us for more information, including the i50K DNA profiles, ultrasound data and EPD updates!

THREE FORKS RANCH 6959 Hwy 251-A • Fort Gibson, OK 74434 Mark Sexton, Manager (918)541-0418 • Email: ThreeForksAngus@gmail.com Paul R. Moore, Owner • www.threeforksangus.com

2016 Midland Bull Test Edition

Page B4

Determining what to spend on a bull depends on the goals of the operation To get the maximum value out of a bull, producers should first evaluate the goals of their breeding and marketing programs because ideal traits for one operation may be completely different than another, according to Bridger Feuz.

Feuz is the profitable and sustainable agricultural systems Extension educator at the University of Wyoming and much of his research has highlighted the value of investing in good genetics within a beef herd.

“If producers are selling weaned calves and not retaining heifers out of their bulls, they will certainly look at different bulls than if they are retaining heifers,” he explains.

Assessment tools On the Wyoming Ranch Tools website, Feuz has designed a number of tools to assist producers in the decision making process of various investments. Both the Genetic Investment and Partial Budget tools can be used to assess bull costs.

Using the Genetic Investment tool, Feuz notes, “Producers can enter what they usually pay for a bull, how much more they want to pay for a bull and how many calves they expect to get

from that bull. The tool will tell them how much per calf a more expensive bull has to return to the ranch to break even.”

The tool is based on selling calves in the fall, so producers who retain heifers should keep that in mind when assessing costs.

“If they’re going to retain ownership on heifers and they’re trying to buy bulls that will make good heifers, it’s a little more difficult to get at a true value for what they’re going to pay for that bull.

It’s going to be a little bit higher than just a terminal cross bull,” he comments.

Partial budget Using the Partial Budget tool, producers can also consider other factors, such as increased feed if bulls are selected for higher calf weaning weights. Heifers retained from that sire will likely be larger and require more feed. Additional costs may be attributed to feeding heavier calves, although more pounds should net increased revenue at sale time.

“All of these things are considerations when producers are thinking about the process of investing in a bull,” Feuz says.

Paying more for a bull may prove to be a worthy

investment for some producers who are looking to make big improvements in their genetic makeup of the herd.

“The good thing about genetics is they carry through time. It’s an investment for ranchers, not just an expense. If budgets get really tight and producers have to tighten their belts, the money they invested in genetics still pays off over the long run.

If they were buying some other input and they have to tighten their belts and reduce that, it doesn’t necessarily pay off in the long run like genetics does,” he describes.

Alternative options In some cases, smaller producers may find value in sharing the investment with a neighbor, although a number of risks can be associated with that decision.

“There would be some disease considerations,” warns Feuz. “Producers want to make sure that none of the sharing partners have a history of trichomoniasis or other risky diseases.”

Bull performance may also be an issue if cows are bred in successive groups.

“Depending on how many cows he breeds in the first share, the second share might not see a bull that is as aggressive and

hard working,” he notes.

Another option for producers to consider is the use of artificial insemination (AI), especially for heifers or younger cows. A good heifer bull may translate to loss of production if he is used with cows as he matures.

“If a producer buys a really good growth bull to put on the cows and AIs the heifers, that’s a strategy that can pay off in the long run,” he recommends.

AI may also eliminate some of the risk associated with bull performance, giving producers more control over which cows receive which genetics.

Genetic value “I have been involved in the past with some research projects with DNA companies that show that, while 25 to 30 calves is a typical average for bulls, some bulls get up

“If producers are selling weaned calves and not retaining heifers out of their bulls, they will certainly look at different bulls than if they are retaining heifers.” – Bridger Feuz, University of Wyoming Extension there is a lot of research that shows that some of the most profitable producers are those who really concentrate a lot of resources on genetic improvement and genetics,” Feuz remarks.

Doing some homework and investing in sires that improve the traits of the herd will benefit producers looking for value in their bulls.

Decision making tools for investments can be found online at uwyoextension.org/ranchtools.

Natasha Wheeler is editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup and can be contacted at natasha@wylr.net.

around 50 or more calves and some only get two to five calves and that’s how we get to the average of 25 to 30,” Feuz mentions.

A high-end bull that produces a small number of calves is a risk that producers take with their investments. Injury, mortality or other performance issues can also pose a risk to the investment.

Expected progeny differences (EPDs) are one tool that can help producers eliminate some of the unknowns, as well as evaluate which sires possess traits that fit will for the goals of the operation.

“In terms of genetic investment in the herd,

PERFORMANCE + CALVING EASE RED ANGUS AAHR New Direction 507C ADG

Rat

WDA

YR

IND

SC

3.37

108

2.80

93

103

36.5

Cost of a bull - Before purchasing bulls, Bridger Feuz encourages producers to look at the costs associated with the animal to determine how much they can spend and still make a profit. Saige Albert photo

BW

WW

Milk

YW

365

Eff

-0.7

72

22

117

1099

105

Cow Power • Growth • Efficiency • Carcass

Lot 812 1-8-15

Out of a Messmer Packer daughter.

MPPA 101.60

by Andras New Direction R240

Both bulls are out of the same granddam 10-T Chisum Pioneer 85

AAHR New Direction 508C ADG

Rat

WDA

YR

IND

SC

3.52

113

2.65

89

100

35.5

BW

WW

Milk

YW

365

Eff

0.6

78

22

126

1053

89

Out of a Lancer x Cherokee Canyon bred cow.

MPPA 104.00

ADG

Lot 813 1-8-15

by Andras New Direction R240

811

Sire

WDA

YR

IND

SC

3.76

119

3.40

BW

WW

Milk

104

110

40.0

YW

365

-0.6

60

22

EFF

104

1246

108

REA 118 Out of a tremendous female • 3 NR 104

by S Chism 6175

10-T Montana Foresight 95

Also Selling Lot Birth

Lot 656 2-23-15

RAT

BW WW Milk YW ADG Rat 365 IND SC

1-3-15 Andras New Direction R240 -1.6

69

27

107 3.36 108 1126 100 36.0

815 3-18-15 LSF NSF Big Time U203 -0.5 816 2-9-15 Silveiras Mission Nexus 1378 -2.0

78 59

16 24

117 2.74 95 3.09

88 1084 99 32.5 99 1083 95 33.5

817 3-17-15 Silveiras Mission Nexus 1378 -1.5

63

25

99

93 1128 98 34.5

2.91

HORNUNG RED ANGUS Andy Hornung • 608-513-7610 Cottage Grove, WI hornungredangus.com

ADG

RAT

WDA

YR

IND

SC

4.01

121

3.62

107

113

38.2

EFF 117

BW

WW

Milk

YW

365

REA

IMF

4.6

65

24

110

1300

114

113

Out of a tremendous Pathfinder dam Dam Prod 6 NR 106 • 2 YR 104

Lot 657 2-23-15

by Shipwheel Montana 2600

10-T Farms

Tony Tvrdy • 402-219-1628 Lincoln, NE www.10-tfarms.com

Wyoming Livestock Roundup

Page B5

Quality bulls and personable attitude help breeders build customer base “There are a variety of excellent ways in this day and age to reach potential customers, and we have to touch almost every one of those things,” says Ron Frye, owner of Ron Frye Marketing.

For producers who are trying to sell bulls, traditional print publications are one successful way to reach buyers, and the internet provides opportunities, as well.

Kurt Kangas, regional manager at the American Angus Association, notes, “With the digital age, using the internet is a very powerful tool, whether it’s through e-blasts, Facebook posts or other social media outlets.

There are a lot of people viewing catalogues through the internet these days. It’s a reality in our market structure.”

Maintaining a business website is one way that producers can improve their marketing efforts, including information about their operation, bulls and upcoming sales.

Business webpage “Probably the number one mistake I see people make is not having a webpage for people to go to or not maintaining the webpage with current information,” he comments.

Many buyers turn to a Google search to learn more about potential bulls, and creating a webpage that is well

organized, with easy-to-access information is helpful to buyers and producers.

Although maintaining a website can be intimidating, there are multiple programs and companies that can help.

“For people who have kids, most of those kids learn how to build webpages in school. Keeping those kids engaged is not a bad idea, and it can be kids in grade school all the way through college,” he suggests.

Sire qualities Whether information is presented online or on paper, it is important to tell buyers what they can expect from a particular set of bulls.

Frye recommends including pedigree information in advertising, even if well-known lines are somewhat removed from the sale

bulls.

“Maybe we are just giving buyers the sire, or we may give them the sire and the maternal grandsire or an extended pedigree,” he comments. “If we give them a registration number or a bull’s full name, they can go to the appropriate association and pull up the pedigree.”

Interested buyers can also often gather available expected progeny difference (EPD) and performance data from breed associations if they want to look further into the bulls they are hoping to buy.

“We want to include information about our bulls and what kind of sire groups we’re going to sell,” adds Kangas.

Whether a producer emphasizes calving ease,

performance or some other aspect of a quality bull, including that information in an advertisement gives buyers an idea of what to expect when they are seeking sires that fit best in their own herds.

Images “People also seem to like background shots – ranch pictures, cow pictures and bull pictures. It never hurts to give people a feel for what the place looks like,” he says.

When producers also include their own photo in an ad or on their website, potential buyers can become more familiar with them and get an idea of who they’re talking to.

“By and large, the greatest thing we can do is take a good picture,” Frye states.

Despite a bull’s statistics, market research shows that a good bull photo draws buyers in.

“When someone sees a stellar photo, they click on it,” he explains.

Bringing in outside help can also be worthwhile to make sure that every bull gets

an optimum shot, as producers are often focused on other daily chores.

“I would say that few breeders are adept enough at taking pictures themselves.

Generally, they start out with a good plan, but by the time they are a few hours into it, they’re just happy to get anything. I think hiring a professional photographer pays huge dividends,” adds Frye.

Marketing strategy Building photos, statistics and other bull information into a good marketing package takes a multi-faceted approach, and the ideal combination will be different for each breeder. Herd size, sale strategy and familiarity – whether a seller is well known or trying to build up a brand, will all play into the perfect approach.

“If we have a sale with an auctioneer, we need quality ring men around. I touch base with those guys to see how much they are going to cost for the day, and that is the first cost I plug in. I start with

Bluegrass Scores Again Growth • Carcass • Efficiency Bluegrass New Design 511 Customer service - While seedstock producers are focused on selling bulls, Marketing Specialist Ron Frye says that the most successful producers are the ones who follow up and build relationships with their customers. Courtesy photo

ADG Rat WDA YR IND 3.62 114 3.32 108 105 BW WW Milk YW 365 -1.3 49 19 97 1293

Offering 5 Top Performers including #2, #4 and #5 which makes the World Champion Pen of Three

#2 ADG White Tag Group 2

2-16-15 • By V A R Discovery 2240 ADG

Rat

WDA

YR

IND

SC

4.49

135

3.50

103

111

37.5

BW

WW

Milk

YW

365

Eff

2.7 64 36 126 1243 107 His donor dam is a descendent from the $60,000 Cox & Evans donor EF Rita 8306 and the $150,000 GAR Retail Product 1712. He is in the top 5% of the breed for WW, YW, Milk and CW. #

35.5

Eff 94

REA 108 • IMF 138 Maternal Grandam Production 7 NR 101 • 4 YR 100

Lot 464 12-20-14 Sire: Bluegrass New Design 205

Bluegrass Absolute 523

ADG Rat WDA YR 4.00 120 3.53 110 BW WW Milk YW 2.7 68 19 116

2-14-15 • By AAR Ten X 7008 S A ADG

Rat

WDA

YR

IND

SC

4.46

134

3.46

101

109

34.0

BW

WW

Milk

YW

365

Eff

0.4

65

22

122

1227

99

SC 34.0

Eff 111 Lot 467 12-25-14

A #4 WDTag Greenup 2 Gro

REA 110 • IMF 123 Top gaining of 50 TenX Bulls at Midland.

#5 ADG White Tag Group 2

IND 113 365 1335

REA 100 • IMF 102 Dam Production 6 NR 107 • 2 YR 111

4 AD White G T Group ag 2

2XL TENX 5208

2-16-15 • By V A R Generation 2100 ADG

Rat

WDA

YR

IND

SC

4.37

131

3.34

99

111

38.0

BW

WW

Milk

YW

365

Eff

1.4 73 32 136 1203 111 IMF 119. Out of a TenX donor. This bull ranks in the top 1% of the breed for WW and YW, and top 2% of the breed EPDs for all carcass traits.

Also Selling: Sire Poss Total Impact 745 V A R Discovery 2240

BW WW 0.9 63 1.2 67

Milk 19 33

YW ADG Rat 113 3.59 113 124 3.86 116

WDA YR 365 IND SC Eff 3.25 99 1180 105 37.0 109 3.37 100 1214 103 36.0 97

All Bulls 50K Genomics Tested Garden Grove, Iowa • Adam Krull • 515-290-8589 Look for our new website coming soon at www.2XLcattle.com!

Sire: KCF Bennett Absolute

Bluegrass Absolute 525

ADG Rat WDA YR 3.70 117 3.65 115 BW WW Milk YW -0.8 69 19 126

Lot 671 2XL GENERATION 5226

Lot 672 Birth 2-8-15 3-5-15

SC

2XL DISCOVERY 5202

Lot 670

Lot 669 674

that every time,” he says.

Quality In addition to good help, Kangas emphasizes the importance of seller attitude, reminding producers that if they’re positive, it will reflect to their buyers, and the buyers will be positive too.

“Our attitude has a big effect. This is a people business at the end of the day. People buy from people they like and trust,” he comments.

Trust is also built through the quality of the bulls that are being sold.

Frye explains, “In the end, the guys who have the most success are the guys who send out a quality product and follow up to build relationships from there. When buyers are happy with their bulls, they tell their neighbors. The better the product and the more willing we are to have personal contact with potential buyers, the better we’ll do.”

Natasha Wheeler is editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup and can be contacted at natasha@wylr.net.

Lot 469 12-28-14

Sire: KCF Bennett Absolute

Also Offering Lot Birth

Sire

461 12-16-14 CRA Bexter 872 5205 608 462 12-17-14 CRA Bexter 872 5205 608 468 12-28-14 KCF Bennett Absolute

IND 111 365 1376

SC 37.5

Eff 95

REA 114 • IMF 87 Dam Production 6 NR 106 • 3 YR 104

ADG Rat WDA YR 365 IND SC BW EFF 2.97 3.33 2.98

94 105 94

3.09 3.38 3.34

102 1214 100 108 1288 106 106 1262 107

35.0 0.9 36.0 0.1 34.5 0.9

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

101 98 117

2016 Midland Bull Test Edition

Page B6

Testing forage informs producers about nutrition levels in feed Only 40 to 50 percent of Wyoming operations test their forages and analyze their feeds, according to University of Wyoming (UW) State Beef Extension Specialist Steve Paisley, who encourages more producers to do so.

The Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory provides forage test results, as do a number of commercial labs around the region. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wet chemistry is what we might call the traditional analysis of feeds,â&#x20AC;? he comments. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Labs typically offer several different packages with wet chemistry, from only measuring the amount of moisture and protein to a report on dry matter, crude protein, fiber, energy, digestible nutrients, calcium and phosphorous levels.â&#x20AC;?

Producers concerned about other trace minerals can order more extensive testing, as well. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The other option is a

little bit cheaper, with a little quicker turnaround. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s called near infrared reflectance (NIR), and it works very well, predominantly on alfalfas,â&#x20AC;? he adds.

Native range grasses or forages that are not as common may not necessarily obtain high levels of accuracy in the results, however, since samples are measured by comparison to a library of other samples.

Forage trends â&#x20AC;&#x153;This year, in general, our prairie hays were much lower in crude protein than Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen in quite awhile,â&#x20AC;? notes Paisley.

With wet weather throughout most of the state last spring, many hay fields experienced rapid, lush growth. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With the huge volumes we had, I think we diluted out some of the nutrients in the hay. What we would normally think of as a regular amount

of protein in prairie hay would be about nine or 10 percent. The samples Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen this year have been in the six to seven percent range,â&#x20AC;? he explains.

Although producers may harvest the same kind of hay out of the same field every year, there can be variation from year to year in the quality of the forage. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best to figure that out ahead of time before we realize our cows arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t maintaining weight or weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got some issues later on,â&#x20AC;? he says.

Nitrogen levels When Paisley does talk to producers about forage testing, they are often buying hay, selling hay or concerned about nitrates, which is essentially the nitrogen stored in plants that is converted to nitrite by bacteria in the rumen. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nitrite is absorbed into the blood system, and

7 Top Prospects Average Eff 106.4 Curtin Cash 5305

ADG Rat WDA YR 4.06 122 3.48 108 BW WW Milk YW 0.7 58 20 108

IND 115 365 1281

L O T

SC 37.0

Eff 114

2 1 6

Pathfinder dam 7 NR 114 â&#x20AC;˘ 6 YR 109 1-24-15

Sire: Barstow Cash

Curtin American Classic 5080

L O T

ADG Rat WDA YR IND SC 3.37 101 3.32 103 105 39.5 BW WW Milk YW 365 Eff 4.6 56 31 89 1236 109

2 1 0 1-9-15 Sire: Dameron C-5 American Classic

L O T

Rat WDA YR IND SC 98 3.47 108 102 38.0 WW Milk YW 365 Eff 65 29 111 1276 101

2 1 5

Out of one of our top donor cows CED +10 1-23-15

Sire: EXAR Denver 2002B

Additional Prospects Lot Sire 212 213 214 217

Birth

APEX Windy 078 A&B Final Design 2135 Curtin Lumineer 2001 APEX Windy 078

1-24-15 2-5-15 1-19-15 1-28-15

97 100 95 97

which can cause confusion for producers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have to multiply that number by 4.4 to get an NO3 level,â&#x20AC;? he states.

A nitrate-nitrogen level of 2,000 ppm may seem safe, but it is equivalent to about 9,000 ppm NO3, levels that are high enough to cause concern for producers.

Factors to consider High levels of nitrogen can be found in oat hay, sorghum-Sudan hays, millet or even certain weedy patches. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kochia accumulates nitrogen,â&#x20AC;? shares Paisley as an example. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If we bale a weed patch or if we bale our borders and there are a lot of weeds, we should watch those. A lot of weeds can be nitrogen accumulators, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something to be aware of.â&#x20AC;?

Nitrogen levels can also be high in plants didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a chance to undergo rapid growth due to a short growing season, drought or other factors. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Essentially, whatever nitrogen is in the soil will be taken up into the roots, to some extent, and move up the stalk of the plant.

Then, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to sit there, waiting for a growth opportunity. If that opportunity doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t come along, all of that nitrate is stored in the stalk,â&#x20AC;? he explains.

Minimizing risk To minimize risk, Paisley suggests using techniques to balance

out rations. For example, high-nitrate hay can be put in a tub grinder and mixed with low-nitrate hay. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let cattle get too hungry. If for some reason we feed late or miss a day due to a snowstorm, for example, the cattle will go back and eat the tougher stalks that were left behind and suddenly get a huge dose of nitrate,â&#x20AC;? notes Paisley.

He also warns against leaving one bale of high-nitrate hay and one bale of low-nitrate hay out in the pasture to balance out nutrients. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Unfortunately, in many cases, the dominant cows are eating the good hay, and the other cows are being pushed over to the same high-nitrate hay every day. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll probably have a portion of those cows that are being exposed to quite a bit of nitrates,â&#x20AC;? he says.

Understanding nitrate levels, as well as the composition of other nutrients in forages can help producers ensure proper nutrition of their livestock. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We encourage everyone to think about analyzing their forages,â&#x20AC;? he states.

Steve Paisley spoke at WESTI Ag Days in Worland on Feb. 19.

Natasha Wheeler is editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup and can be contacted at natasha@wylr.net.

Offering 4 Top Performers Growth â&#x20AC;˘ Carcass â&#x20AC;˘ Efficiency

Brand Fortitude 5028

Brand Earnan 5026

Lot 85 2-11-15

3.24 3.08 3.08 3.31

102 102 1207 37.5 104 109 99 104 1190 36.0 105 110 96 106 1138 41.5 119 93 101 96 1214 37.0 93 101

Curtin Land & Cattle

5+ $VSUJO t

Blue Mound, IL

by PA Fortitude 2500

ADG Rat WDA 3.80 114 3.65 BW WW Milk -0.6 58 26

YR IND SC 110 109 40.5 YW 365 Eff 98 1320 110

REA 112 â&#x20AC;˘ %IMF 114 Out of a Brilliance daughter CED +12

â&#x20AC;˘ Also Selling Lot 84 â&#x20AC;˘ Brand Black Granite 1-11-15

ADG Rat WDA YR IND 365 SC Eff REA 3.23 3.32 3.17 3.24

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best to figure that out ahead of time before we realize our cows arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t maintaining weight or weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got some issues later on.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Steve Paisley, University of Wyoming Extension

A son of a full brother to Dameron First Class.

Dam Production 2 NR 108 â&#x20AC;˘ 1 YR 104

Curtin Denver 5304

ADG 3.29 BW 1.5

it competes with oxygen binding, so it diminishes the bloodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to bind oxygen,â&#x20AC;? Paisley remarks.

Cattle that ingest too much nitrogen get a dark, chocolaty color to their blood and begin to exhibit signs of poor health. If pregnant cattle get too much nitrogen, the fetus is also deprived of oxygen, and the calf can abort as a result.

Different lab results One caution that Paisley notes about nitrate testing is many labs report levels using different methods, and not all methods use the same baselines. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Every lab is different. For nitrate (NO3), we generally think that anything below 6,000 parts per million (ppm) is safe.

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a low enough level that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not really concerned about it affecting any classification of cattle,â&#x20AC;? Paisley comments.

Up to about 9,000 ppm, NO3 can be fed to livestock as long as it is managed. For example, higher levels should not be fed to pregnant or lactating cows.

Once NO3 levels rise above 9,000 ppm, cattle are more likely to absorb nitrite and experience some problems. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Some labs report it as potassium nitrate (KNO3).

The equivalency of one percent KNO3 is about 6,000 ppm of NO3. If we get lab results back, and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not 100 percent sure what weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking it, it can be an issue,â&#x20AC;? he continues.

Nitrate-nitrogen is another term used in results from some labs,

Lot 86 2-8-15

by Connealy Earnan 076E

ADG Rat WDA 3.91 117 3.53 BW WW Milk 1.7 64 19

YR IND SC 109 110 38.5 YW 365 Eff 117 1303 102

REA 109 â&#x20AC;˘ %IMF 85 Out of a Sitz Alliance 6595 daughter 4 NR 105 â&#x20AC;˘ 1 YR 103

Brand Earnan 5008

by Connealy Black Granite

ADG Rat WDA 3.11 93 3.23 BW WW Milk 2.5 58 29

YR IND SC 103 105 36.5 YW 365 Eff 97 1232 106

Lot 87

REA 106 â&#x20AC;˘ %IMF 88 2-5-15

BRAND ANGUS Lake City, MN Frank Brand â&#x20AC;˘ 651-345-3645

by Connealy Earnan 076E

ADG Rat WDA 3.76 113 3.46 BW WW Milk 2.5 76 20

YR IND SC 108 110 38.0 YW 365 Eff 129 1298 102

REA 94 â&#x20AC;˘ %IMF 133 Dam 1 NR 117 Maternal grandam 1 NR 107

Wyoming Livestock Roundup

Page B7

Economics, efficiencies related to cow size impact ranches

During a recent cattle conference, Colorado State University Agricultural and Business Management Economist Jesse Russell asked several cattle producers what their average cow size reaches.

Much like the data he would later present, answers ranged from 1,000 pounds to over 1,500 pounds. Russell told the group that a range has become standard in the industry, while sharing that he actually saw a 2,000-pound cow sell at the sale barn a few weeks back.

Data From data he has collected, Russell said the average cow size in the U.S. is approaching 1,400 pounds. While cattle inventory shrunk from 109.5 million in 1985 to 89.8 million in 2015, cow weight has continued to increase.

“In 1983, a mature cow weighed about 1,000

pounds,” Russell said.

“Today, it is about 1,400 pounds. That is a 26 percent increase over the last 30 years.”

Meanwhile, steer slaughter weights have also increased 18 percent. Thirty years ago, live steers averaged 1,000 pounds at slaughter, but now that number is closer to 1,300 pounds. Carcass weights have increased 19 percent from 656 pounds 30 years ago to an average of 800 pounds today.

Russell says he has seen some steers yield carcasses as big as 920 pounds.

“What we have been doing is increasing beef production per animal, despite the decline in cattle numbers,” Russell shared.

Production efficiency Russell questions how that influences production efficiency.

Everyone knows as cow weights increase, the

stocking rate decreases, he told cattle producers.

But looking at data he collected, Russell made producers aware that the percentage of cow weight weaned decreases as the calf gets bigger.

“A 1,500-pound cow will wean less of her body weight than a 1,000-pound cow, on a percentage basis,” he shared.

These larger cows may not be as efficient.

“It doesn’t matter what stage of production the cow is in, the larger the cow is, the more dry matter, total digestible nutrients and crude protein she will need,” he explained.

“That is why it is important to match beef cow size to the forage resources that are available.”

Looking at requirements To help producers determine nutrient requirements based on cow size, Russell and some of his colleagues built a spreadsheet for

producers.

This spreadsheet, called Matching Cow Size to Available Resources, can be located at coopext. colostate.edu.

Using this spreadsheet, Russell says producers can input their pasture size and grazing period, estimate their grass production per year, and determine their harvest efficiency. If a producer doesn’t know how much grass their pasture will produce, Russell says they can get help through the Natural Resources Conservation Service website.

He also noted that, typically, harvest efficiency will range from 30 to 35 percent, but on irrigated ground, the cow may consume more.

From data he has collected, Russell said a cow that is grazing nine to 12 months out of the year will be bigger than a cow who grazes six months and is

“It doesn’t matter what stage of production the cow is in, the larger the cow is, the more dry matter, total digestible nutrients and crude protein she will need.” – Jesse Russell, Colorado State University fed forage the rest of the year.

“The producers who graze less will select a smaller cow because feed costs are much more expensive. They would

have to feed a lot of hay,” he said.

Gayle Smith is a correspondent of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

Cow size - Jesse Russell notes that the size of cows in the U.S. has increased over the last several decades, but despite the increase, it is important to have cows that are capable of matching their environment. Saige Albert photo

HAYCOW’S OFFERING

Top Performing Red Angus, Black Angus and South Devon #1 WDA Black Angus Group 2 (Lot 352) • #1 ADG & WDA Red Angus (Lot 781) #2 ADG & WDA Red Angus (Lot 773) Haycow Advance 556

DG #1 AWDA and

Haycow Pine 590

#2 t a Eff R

DA

#2 W

Lot 781 2-19-15

by Haycow Advance 8999

Haycow Pine 5100

#6 WDA

Lot 786 2-22-15

by Haycow Cher Pine 711

Haycow Pine 5143

#4 WDA

Lot 788 2-13-15

by Haycow Cher Pine 711

Lot 791 3-30-15

by Haycow Cher Pine 711

ADG

Rat

WDA

YR

IND

SC

ADG

Rat

WDA

YR

IND

SC

ADG

Rat

WDA

YR

IND

SC

ADG

Rat

WDA

YR

IND

SC

4.37

140

4.17

130

123

39.0

3.78

121

3.86

120

116

35.5

3.48

112

3.67

115

108

39.0

3.56

114

3.77

116

111

37.0

BW

WW

Milk

YW

365

Eff

BW

WW

Milk

YW

365

Eff

BW

WW

Milk

YW

365

Eff

BW

WW

Milk

YW

365

Eff

-0.1

62

16

98

1527

113

-1.9

57

11

77

1404

122

-1.6

49

18

66

1339

109

-1.7

67

10

91

1365

105

REA 107 • IMF 122 • Dam MPPA 101.60

REA 118 • IMF 99 • Dam MPPA 101.33

Haycow Total 5226

REA 121 • IMF 104 • Dam MPPA 103.43

Haycow Total 5248

REA 109 • IMF 90 • Dam MPPA 102.29

Haycow Fireman 5251

TOTALLY SELLING 11 Sons of Haycow Advance 8999 8 Sons of Haycow Cher Pine 711 4 Sons of McD Total Package 1337 Lot 356 2-18-15

by McD SF Total 1348

Lot 360 2-24-15

by McD SF Total 1348

Lot 361 2-19-15

by Fraser Fireman 1195

ADG

Rat

WDA

YR

IND

SC

ADG

Rat

WDA

YR

IND

SC

ADG

Rat

WDA

YR

IND

SC

3.59

108

3.54

107

108

38.5

3.68

116

3.51

107

108

39.0

3.51

106

3.33

101

109

37.5

BW

WW

Milk

YW

365

Eff

BW

WW

Milk

YW

365

Eff

BW

WW

Milk

YW

365

Eff

-0.6

69

12

109

1297

111

-0.7

69

20

111

1280

111

2.2

61

25

95

1229

122

3 Sons of McD SF Total 1348 2 Sons of Fraser Fireman 1195 3 Sons of Fraser San Antonio 1219 4 Sons of DLCC Shur LOC 99W

35 Total Bulls Offered Average ADG 107 • Average WDA 108 • Average MBT IND 105

HAYCOW ANGUS

Heidi Guertin 530-755-8065

2016 Midland Bull Test Edition

Page B8

Crossbreeding strategies provide options for additional profits Bob Weaber of Kansas State University notes that understanding the production system and breeding objectives sets the stage for decisions made genetically on the ranch, which ultimately influences profitability of the overall operation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is a lot of discussion about improved sustainability,â&#x20AC;?

Weaber comments, â&#x20AC;&#x153;and as we think about the role genetics plays through both selection and traits from an index component, we have to consider the value and utility of the non-additive genetic effects in terms of heterosis or hybrid vigor.â&#x20AC;?

Weaber further notes that cattlemen should challenge conventional wisdom in terms of selecting bulls.

Historically, when selecting bulls, he says often producers are looking for a miracle animal. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We pick one bull to do everything,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When we interact with small producers, lots of operations place significant effort on calving ease.â&#x20AC;?

However, producers using the same bull to breed cows and heifers may be making sacrifices in other areas in that create profitability. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We give up lots of territory in terms of performance, carcass attributes and all kinds of things

when we use only calving ease bulls to mate mature cows,â&#x20AC;? Weaber explains.

Breeding decisions â&#x20AC;&#x153;How do we start to do a better job of making individual breeding or sire selection decisions to target specific parts of the business,â&#x20AC;? Weaber asks. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are two parts of our business.â&#x20AC;?

The first part of a ranch is picking bulls to build replacement females.

The second part of a ranch business involves picking bulls that will bring carcass traits. â&#x20AC;&#x153;These females are going to be the genetics in our cowherd over time,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;How do we select those bulls so they are the most environmentally adapted, best set of cows we can make? We know the sets of traits that make those cows most successful, in many cases, are quite different from the ones that the marketplace may desire in the calf product we sell.â&#x20AC;?

Weaber adds that it could be important for producers to make separate selection decisions for maternal and terminal mating decisions. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Get away from the idea that one bull can do everything for us,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When we make a one-bull decision, we give a lot in terms of retained heterosis in a crossbreeding system.â&#x20AC;?

The question in looking at bulls becomes a question of how to balance making decisions and fighting the antagonism between growth and performance and maternal requirements. â&#x20AC;&#x153;These are two separate decisions,â&#x20AC;? Weaber explains. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is a fundamental component of our decisions as we think not only about sire selection but about a breeding system.â&#x20AC;?

Choosing sires When looking at the cattle herd and replacement females, Weaber says cows should be environmentally adapted in terms of capability to harvest forage. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Their maintenance requirements and production requirements have to fit in a largely graze-based nutrient environment,â&#x20AC;?

Weaber says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We know feedstuffs have large costs associated in the operation.â&#x20AC;?

At the same time, it is necessary to achieve a herd that also creates a marketing end point for the calves. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That is the terminal part of the decision,â&#x20AC;? he explains. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have to produce terminal offspring to fit the marketplace. Ultimately this separation of decision making enables us to be more flexible in the breeding system we design and implement.â&#x20AC;?

When making the

7 TOP ANGUS PROSPECTS

maternal and terminal decisions, Weaber further adds that it is important to use a selection system that accounts for those differences. For example, when looking at maternal traits, use of a terminal selection index is ineffective. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If maternal traits are important to us, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to make sure we are selecting on maternal traits,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If we are thinking about building a set of replacement females, which of the bulls in the battery are going to make daughters that will work best in the cowherd?â&#x20AC;?

Producers can capture additional benefits.

Crossbreeding â&#x20AC;&#x153;The use of crossbreeding and heterosis and using selection indexes within breeds are not mutually exclusive,â&#x20AC;? Weaber says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We can have both and make substantial gains, we have to be strategic and thoughtful about how we put our breeding system together.â&#x20AC;?

He further notes that the first step in the process is not in determining which bulls to buy but rather in developing and evaluating breed objectives. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Step number on â&#x20AC;&#x201C; that maybe overlooked â&#x20AC;&#x201C; is, on an annual basis, we should evaluate our breeding system and breeding

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We give up lots of territory in terms of performance, carcass attributes and all kinds of things when we use only calving ease bulls to mate mature cows.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Bob Weaber, Kansas State University objective,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What is it that we need to do to improve and enhance our profitability?â&#x20AC;?

In terms of crossbreeding, he notes that it is important to look at what considerations and constraints should be included to optimize heterosis in terms of both cow and calf production.

He adds that the value of crossbreeding comes from two primary areas. â&#x20AC;&#x153;One of them is the value of heterosis or the superiority of the crossbred animals over the average of the purebred parents,â&#x20AC;?

Weaber explains. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that little boost in performance from crossing two breeds that isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t available within the breed.â&#x20AC;?

The heritability of traits changes based on whether crossbreeding or traditional breeding is utilized. Large differences can be seen within single breeds as it relates to moderate to highly heritable traits.

Lowly heritable traits typically exhibit smaller breed differences.

Complementarity â&#x20AC;&#x153;The second part is to think about breed comple-

mentarity,â&#x20AC;? Weaber adds. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have to put breeds together that make sense and get us where we want to go.â&#x20AC;?

Weaber notes that a combination of breed choices can positively influence the herd by generating heterosis. â&#x20AC;&#x153;From a heritability standpoint, traits like reproduction have low heritability,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If we think about the impact of heterosis, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the opposite, so we get the greatest improvements from lowly heritable traits by heterosis.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;If we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get a live calf on the ground, all bets are off,â&#x20AC;? Weaber says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Improving reproduction is one of the best ways to improve profitability at the system level, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where we get some of the best improvements from heterosis.â&#x20AC;?

Weaber spoke during the 2015 Range Beef Cow Symposium, held in mid-November in Loveland, Colo.

Saige Albert is managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup and can be reached at saige@wylr. net.

Growth + Efficiency + Marbling

GROWTH + EFFICIENCY

#8 EFF 1 p Grou

Lot 93 â&#x20AC;˘ Bartels Capitalist 1037 537

OFF Consensus C657

ADG

Rat

WDA

YR

IND

SC

3.52

106

3.41

105

110

38.0

ADG

BW

WW

Milk

YW

365

Eff

0.4

63

21

102

1258

123

Out of a tremendous cow 3 NR 105 â&#x20AC;˘ 1 YR 104 2-19-15

Lot 327

by Connealy Capitalist 028

2-14-15

Lot 94 â&#x20AC;˘ Bartels Earnan 1020 554 ADG

Rat

WDA

YR

IND

SC

3.37

101

3.42

103

103

35.0

BW

WW

Milk

YW

365

Eff

2.7

63

17

110

1235

96

ADG

3-1-15

by Connealy Earnan 076E

ADG

Rat

WDA

YR

IND

SC

3.29

99

3.39

104

104

36.5

BW

WW

Milk

YW

365

Eff

SC

3.81

114

3.35

101

109

40.0

BW

WW

Milk

YW

365

EFF

0.9

48

25

86

1214

114

REA 101 â&#x20AC;˘ IMF 103 Pathfinder dam 7 NR 106 â&#x20AC;˘ 6 YR 103

by Connealy Consensus 7229

0.0

65

17

122

1249

103

WDA

YR

IND

SC

4.13

124

3.58

BW

WW

Milk

110

117

37.0

YW

365

EFF

2.2

56

30

104

1326

118

Lot 329

by HARB Big Shooter 279JH

ALSO OFFERING...

Also Selling ADG

Rat

WDA

YR

365 IND SC

EFF

3.16 3.02 3.19

95 91 96

3.26 3.42 3.28

106 1266 104 39.0 103 1230 102 34.0 100 1195 99 36.5

100 99 90

BARTELS ANGUS

Rat

2-6-15

by Barstow Cash

92 2-6-15 Connealy Consensus 7229 95 3-6-15 Connealy Earnan 076E 98 3-12-15 McKeller Impact

IND

IMF 104 Dam Prod 9 NR 105 â&#x20AC;˘ 8 YR 102

Dam 1 NR 109 â&#x20AC;˘ 1 YR 107

Sire

YR

OFF Big Shot C775

Lot 97 â&#x20AC;˘ Bartels Cash 2020 522

Lot Birth

WDA

#9 AD G Group 1

Full brother to Lot 95. Out of a full sister to the dam of Bartels Columbus 310, who sold for $80,000 at the 2014 Midland Bull Test Sale.

2-13-15

Rat

3JWFSUPO /& t t t CBSUFMTBOHVT DPN

*

Lot

Birth

Sire

ADG

Rat

WDA

YR

365

IND

SC

EFF

IMF

328

1-23-15

Connealy Consensus 7229

3.22

96

2.93

91

1077

95

37.5

-

121

330

2-23-15

HARB Big Shooter 279JH

3.36

101

3.45

105

1262

105

36.0

101

156

331

2-1-15

Connealy Combination 0188

3.59

107

2.98

92

1091

100

36.5

103

130

*Number 9 Angus bull for %IMF Ratio

Kinseyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Oak Front Farms Jim and Jamie Kinsey Flemington, WV â&#x20AC;˘ 304-288-9529

Wyoming Livestock Roundup

Page B9

Producers consider bottom threshold when selecting for birth weight Whitman, Neb. – An interesting question came up when a panel of seedstock producers took the stage during the recent open house at the University of Nebraska Gudmundsen Research facility in Whitman, Neb. A producer from the audience wanted to know, if he selects bulls for lower birth weights, is he short-changing himself?

There has been a lot of buzz around the industry lately about how low is too low when selecting bulls for birth weight. No one wants to pull a calf, but is there a point where selecting a bull for too low of a birth weight is going too extreme?

Panelists at the event seem to think so.

Correlated traits Jerry Connealy of Connealy Angus in Whitman, Neb., reminded producers that birth weight and yearling weight are highly correlated traits.

“When generations upon generations spread bulls with heavy birth weight or light birth weight stacked upon each other, we have defeated those antagonisms,” he said.

“That correlation is still real, and it’s still there.”

“In the Angus breed, we have conquered a lot of that. I wouldn’t recommend anyone stack light birth weight on top of light

birth weight. Piling negative upon negative, we will eventually get a finer boned, frail calf that will be a less rugged animal in the end,” he added.

End points Loren Berger of Berger’s Herdmasters in North Platte, Neb. said producers should select bulls for birth weight based on what the end point is for their cattle.

“I visited several feedlots who wanted to feed my cattle, and they all told me they want to take the Continental cross cattle to 1,450 to 1,500 pounds,” he said. “Most 65-pound birth weight calves will struggle to get to that and still have an acceptable yield grade.”

Berger sees producers who are concerned about birth weight making some adjustments in their herd.

“I think those producers need to separate the cows from the heifers.

A cow can give birth to a heavier calf and have the calf get up and nurse right away and do all this in a harsh environment. If these cows are limited to giving birth to a 65-pound calf, in my mind, that calf is a loss.

I think 85 to 90 pounds may be more ideal in most situations,” he explained. “I feel most producers are making a big sacrifice if they take low birth weight to the extreme in the mature cows.”

Health Connealy said too light a calf can also have more health issues.

“There is certainly some buzz out there that short gestation calves have less developed lungs, causing us to see more sickness and other negative ramifications,” he said.

“In this industry, we are guilty of being plungers. We can’t moderate,” Connealy continued. “We think if a lighter calf is good, then an even lighter one is better. We have to stop somewhere. I think we are pushing that more than we need to.”

“A cow can have a calf that weighs 85 to 90 pounds, and we can still use the natural correlation between birth weight and yearling weight to our advantage. Heifer bulls need to be used as heifer bulls, even if we don’t like to pull calves,” he stated.

Cow size Despite a trend toward lighter birth weight calves, the panelists still see cow size continuing to climb.

“I see cow size continuing to increase as an industry,” Connealy said.

“In the Angus industry, and particularly in our own business, we are struggling to hold cow size and even decrease it from what it was in the 80s when we were selecting those taller

frame bulls,” he explained.

As an industry, these panelists see cow size continuing to increase unless there is a joint effort to select replacement heifers that aren’t on top or even at the higher middle end for size.

“We need to select the smaller heifers,” Connealy said. “It is easy to say, but when we are standing out there selecting our replacements, it is very hard to do.”

Panel moderator, Matt Spangler, points out conversations he has had with ranchers looking to decrease the size of their cows.

“A lot of the time, I talk to the rancher who wants to moderate his cowherd and walk him through what he needs to buy for a bull. Then, at load out, I see him loading up the highest growth, heaviest muscled bull on the sale,” Spangler said. “The problem is, in part, what these guys put on offer, but it is also having the discipline to go to the sale and say, ‘I may buy the bull that is below the breed average for milk or above the breed average for birth weight because I plan to use him for my cows.’”

“In the end, the key is having the discipline to buy what you truly need,” Spangler told the audience.

“That is what will have the

“Heifer bulls need to be used as heifer bulls, even if we don’t like to pull calves.” – Jerry Connealy, Connealy Angus most tremendous impact on where we go from here with cow size.”

Gayle Smith is a cor-

Birth weights - The trend has been to select for the lowest possible birth weight when selecting bulls, but Jerry Connealy suggests that low birth weights mean producers may be sacrificing on overall profits. Natasha Wheeler photo

Outstanding Performance

Growth + Carcass

~ Three 4 Pound Gainers ~

JMACHOLAN Ingenuity 865

Lot 620 - MVCC Ten X 508

1-29-15 Sire: SAV Resource 1441

L O T

ADG

1 8 9

Rat

WDA

YR

IND

SC

4.09 123 3.53 108 107 BW WW Milk YW 365 2.6 61 27 116 1297

36.0 Eff

ADG Rat WDA YR 4.02 121 3.31 109 BW WW Milk YW 1.5 54 28 101

93

Dam Prod 3 NR 102 • 2 YR 100 12-22-14

ADG

L O T

Sire: PA Full Power 1208 Rat

WDA

YR

IND

SC

3.35 100 3.07 102 102 BW WW Milk YW 365 0.5 58 37 101 1210

34.0 Eff

1 8 5

98

Ranks in the top 1% of the breed for milk and $W! Dam Prod 1 NR 109

Birth

SC 37.5

Eff 98

Dam Production 5 NR 105 • 1 YR 103

Sire: AAR Ten X 7008 SA

ADG Rat WDA YR IND 4.07 122 3.32 98 108 BW WW Milk YW 365 4.0 52 25 88 1185

SC 36.0

Eff 105

Out of a Final Answer dam 2 NR 105

2-6-15

Sire: Gold Strike of PAR 32

Lot 626 - MVCC Fortunate Son 556

A lso s elling Lot

IND 110 365 1325

Lot 623 - MVCC Gold Strike 513

JMACHOLAN Full Moon 1555 1-1-15

respondent of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

Sire

ADG Rat WDA

YR

IND

SC

BW WW Milk YW

188 1-13-15 SAV Bismarck 5682 3.56 107 3.26 100 102 38.5 2.5 186 1-3-15 Schiefelbein Effective 61 3.29 98 3.01 100 101 40.0 -0.2

49 49

Private treaty bulls for sale at the ranch!

21 26

ADG Rat WDA YR IND 4.07 122 3.43 98 111 BW WW Milk YW 365 2.8 54 26 97 1191

Eff

86 102 95 100

2-23-15

Sire: Sinclair Fortunate Son

SC 38.0

Eff 112

Out of a 338 daughter 4 NR 111 • 4 YR 103

Also Selling Lot Birth Sire ADG Rat WDA YR 621 12-20-14 AAR Ten X 7008 SA 3.32 100 2.93 98 622 2-2-15 Gold Strike of PAR 32 3.44 103 3.23 95 625 1-11-15 Sitz Uncommon 3.44 103 3.09 101

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

365 IND SC 1191 99 40.5 1149 105 37.0 1223 100 37.5

Magic Valley Angus • Mesa, WA Mike Wieseler ~ 509-539-1442 • mt.ranch@live.com

EFF 102 110 95

2016 Midland Bull Test Edition

Page B10

Producers should understand grazing terminology before turning out this season Stocking rates, grass production and grazing on federal lands provide a challenge for many ranchers across Wyoming, but UW Extension Educator Barton Stam says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;There arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t any magic bullets, but there are some things we can think about when weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re formulating our grazing plans.â&#x20AC;?

Stam looks at grazing biology and grazing calculations as important when looking for grazing plans.

Grazing concerns The first part of looking at grazing on Wyoming rangelands is the biology of grass. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are three things that we deal with in the biology of grass, grazing and growth under grazing pressure,â&#x20AC;? Stam says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re talking about frequency, utilization and season of use.â&#x20AC;?

Season of use determines what time of year grass is used, frequency describes how often it is grazed, and utilization defines how much of the plant is taken in grazing.

Stam notes that there are a number of questions that producers should ask themselves when looking at grazing, including what are the biggest concerns and how do each of the components relate.

Frequency, season and utilization are all inter-related, he adds. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In fall or winter, we

can get away with overgrazing, but there are other reasons to leave grass out there,â&#x20AC;? he says, noting that wildlife or water retention vary in importance to different producers.

Grazing plans When formulating grazing plans, Stam says that public lands are no different than private lands, though federal grazing allotments may come with more restrictions. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As ranchers, when we are thinking about grass production, we like to think about quality,â&#x20AC;? he comments. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The other really big thing we need to know is quantity.â&#x20AC;?

The amount of production on a parcel of land can be determined by clipping and weighing grass from a certain area, although it is a challenge to take representative samples on rangelands. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Clipping and weighing can work well on pastures, but it is tough to get a representative sample on the range,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Clipping and weighing is a legitimate tool, but we have to be very careful about how and where we use it.â&#x20AC;?

For producers who opt for the strategy, Stam says that Wyoming Ranch Tools, which can be found online, provides a ready-made tool that performs the calculations to determine number of acres per head based on the

dry weight per specific area, but for producers who arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t using that strategy, Stam says there are other options.

Definitions To determine production on rangelands, Stam says that it is first important to define several commonly used terms. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We always throw the term animal unit month (AUM) around, but what does it actually mean?â&#x20AC;? he asks. â&#x20AC;&#x153;An animal unit month is 800 pounds of forage by dry weight.â&#x20AC;?

The figure comes from the feed required for a 1,000pound cow and her unweaned calf for one month. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When we talk about AUMs, we arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t talking about production and we arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t talking about acres, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re talking about 800 pounds of feed,â&#x20AC;? Stam says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A yearling equates to 0.6 AUMs, and a 2,000-pound bull is two AUMs. We also say that five sheep equal one cow.â&#x20AC;?

He also notes that it is important to consider cow size when looking at the number of AUMs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We see cows that are 1,500 to 1,600 pounds,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not one AUM. If we have 1,200 pound cows, that should be 1.2 AUMs. We have to customize these numbers for our use.â&#x20AC;?

Production Looking at past use

can be helpful to figure out production on the ranch, Stam says, explaining that multiplying the number of animals by the animal unit equivalent and the grazing season length can yield the number of AUMs harvested.

For example, Stam takes 194 pairs with cows that weigh 1,200 pounds.

By multiplying 194 by 1.2, the animal unit equivalent.

Then, by multiplying that by 0.5 for a pasture that is grazed for two weeks, Stam says 116 AUMs were harvested. If producers divide that number by the number of acres grazed, the result will be the AUMs per acre. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We also have to think about how much they harvested,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If we left some grass out there, we have to incorporate that, as well.â&#x20AC;?

Stocking rate versus density Stam also adds that stocking density and stocking rate are often confused. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are very prominent range people who

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Stocking rate includes a number of head, a time period and the land area. The density is just the number of head in a land area.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Barton Stam, UW Extension Educator reverse the definitions,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For me, stocking rate includes a number of head, a time period and the land area. The density is just the number of head in a land area.â&#x20AC;?

Timing is the key difference, he adds.

He also notes that it is important, particularly when talking about stocking rates on allotments, to clarify the definition so both parties are talking about the same thing. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We should make sure weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on the same page with our range cons,â&#x20AC;? Stam says.

Carrying capacity is an additional term that is frequently included in the discussion.

Carrying capacity implies some level of utilization that is acceptable,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We could use different stocking rates to get to the

same carrying capacity.â&#x20AC;?

For example, more animals over a shorter time period can result in the same carrying capacity as fewer animals over a long timeframe.

In private lease situations, Stam says it is also important to clarify issues like stocking density, rates and carrying capacity. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We can negotiate so far depending on what the demand is for grass,â&#x20AC;? he adds. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m in favor of ranches doing what is advantageous for their operation.â&#x20AC;?

Stam presented during the 2015 Fremont County Farm and Ranch Days, held in February 2015.

Saige Albert is managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup and can be reached at saige@wylr. net.

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Wyoming Livestock Roundup

Page B11

Genomic prediction provides benefits, available from many tools “Traditionally, when we think about genomic proteins, we think about inherited traits like genetic abnormalities and coat color, which are controlled by a single gene,” South Dakota State University’s Michael Gonda explains. “These are simple traits controlled by a one gene in the genome. The environment plays no role in these.”

However, the majority of traits in the cattle genome are not simply inherited, which makes genetic prediction significantly more complicated.

“When we have complex traits like weaning weight, reproduction and carcass traits, a number of genes scattered throughout the genome have an impact, and they all don’t have the same effect,” Gonda adds. “Throw in the fact that we have a large number of environmental factors that can affect performance, and prediction of genetic merit is complicated and messy.”

However, the advent of DNA tests to predict for genetic merit can improve the process, though it is far from perfect.

Merits of genetic testing In looking at the benefits of genetic testing cattle, Gonda notes that it can be compared to predicting student success in a class.

“If I want to predict a student’s grade in the class at

the beginning of the semester, I could make the prediction based on a large number of sources of information, like how many times they visit my office, how many hours they study, their GPA before entering he class and other information,” he says.

“I could use that information to make a prediction about the student’s performance.

It wouldn’t be perfect, of course.”

In making genetic predictions in cattle, a similarly wide array of information is available, and predictions are based on information collected on the bulls.

“If we are making genetic predictions, we can collect information on the bull’s performance, and that prediction would not be perfect,” Gonda says. “Informa-

tion on a pedigree for a bull that is old enough to have calves will increase the accuracy of the prediction.”

“What DNA can do is improve the accuracy of the genetic prediction,” he adds.

“That is why we want DNA information in the first place – to improve the accuracy of our genetic predictions.”

Limitations While DNA tests can provide a valuable source of data, Gonda also notes that there are limitations to testing.

“These DNA tests do not perfectly predict genetic merit,” he says. “Phenotype is equal to breeding type plus environment. Genetics explain half of the variation we see in complex traits.”

Genetics is only a piece of the puzzle when it comes

Sampling for tests

South Dakota State University’s Michael Gonda says that taking samples for genetic tests is relatively simple.

“The two most common ways are hair follicles and blood spots,” he says.

When taking hair samples, he encourages pulling a few hair from the switch of the tail, ensuring that the hair follicle is captured in the sample.

“Trim off the excess hair, put it in the provided plastic sleeve and send it off to the testing company,” Gonda explains.

“We can also use an FTA card,” he says. “In that case, as we are taking cattle through the chute, we can take a needle, prick the inside of the ear, spot a couple of blood posts and send it in.”

Gonda adds, “The sales representative for the product will be able to help producers out if they have more questions.”

to determining phenotype.

Inside the working of DNA testing When producers supply a DNA sample to testing companies, Gonda says they begin by isolating the DNA. Next, genes are isolated.

Marked loci, or specific locations, on the genes are isolated, which are correlated to different traits.

As an example, Gonda says that on particular genotype correlates to a one percent increase in heifer pregnancy. A different genetic combination at the same loci results in a zero percent improvement, and a third combination results in a negative one percent improvement in heifer pregnancy.

A genetic test can identify the genotypes of specific animals to determine which are more likely to improve or decrease birth weight.

“That information is combined and reported back to the producer,” Gonda adds.

“There are additional limitations to testing, however.”

A N G U S

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Two main companies sell commercial DNA tests for heifers – Igenity and Zoetis. Each product has benefits and a specific application, and Gonda notes that it is important to choose the right test for the right application in a herd, considering the breed and the traits that are relevant.

“All of these tests work better than they have in the past, as technology has developed,” Gonda says. “There are limitations to the prediction of genetic merit. It’s not perfect, and it should be used jointly with other selection criteria for producers who decide to pursue genetic testing.”

Gonda presented in November 2015 at the Range Beef Cow Symposium.

Saige Albert is managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup and can be reached at saige@wylr. net.

Lot 459

Smit Complete Pace 1554

A N G U S

Appropriate tests Gonda notes that two categories of genetic tests are available for producers, each of which offers its own merits.

“We have tests for seedstock and those for commercial producers,” he says.

“The tests for the seedstock industry influences the calculations for expected progeny differences (EPDs). These are called genomically enhanced EPDs.” Conversely, tests for commercial cattle are standalone tests.

“Seedstock tests tend to be more accurate but more expensive, while the commercial ones are less accurate,” Gonda explains.

He also notes that seedstock tests are largely breed specific, while commercial tests tend to be available across breeds.

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2016 Midland Bull Test Edition

Page B12

Cold storage supplies signal support for prices in early 2016

On March 22, USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) published its Cold Storage report, summarizing the meat and poultry that is in refrigerated warehouses across the country, and CME Group says, “Our opinion is that markets will view the survey as supportive of beef and pork prices going into the spring.”

Total supplies of beef,

pork, chicken and turkey in cold storage at the end of February 2015 were 2.268 billion pounds, which marks an increase of 1.6 percent over a year ago.

“Inventories increased 0.5 percent in February when, on average, the monthover-month increase for this month is about three percent,” CME Group continues. “Meat protein produc-

Beef, Pork and Chicken in Cold Storage % Change Last Year vs. 5-Year Average USDA

25.0%

% Ch. vs. Last Year %Ch. vs. 5-yr Avg.

20.0% 15.0% 10.0% 5.0% 0.0% -5.0% -10.0%

Beef

Pork

Chicken

Turkey

Total

Changes in supply - Beef in cold storage has increased over the five-year average and decreased only slightly from last year. Total meat in cold storage increased over last year and the five year average.

tion continues to increase and the fact that inventories have not increased significantly implies that product is moving and demand is generally good, both in domestic and export channels.”

Looking at only red meat, stocks hit 1.166 billion pounds, a decrease of two percent from January and a drop from 2015, as well.

Beef USDA reported stocks of beef in all warehouses at 490.5 million pounds, compared to 518.1 million pounds in January, a drop of five percent.

The most significant declines were seen in boneless beef. Boneless beef in cold storage at the end of February was 0.3 percent lower than 2015, at 449.1 million pounds. The decline was six percent from January, and CME Group notes that a more normal decline is just one percent.

CME Group further notes that declining imports, as well as what they called a

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ADG 3.28 3.52 3.02 3.19 3.27 3.02

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365 1100 1123 1172 1118 1201 1133

IND 102 107 103 103 103 99

SC 34.0 36.5 33.0 34.5 35.0 36.5

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“liquidation of frozen fat trim stock” in January helped to reduce inventories.

“The challenge in properly analyzing beef inventories is that USDA does not provide much of a breakdown of beef stocks,” they add. “We do not even know whether we are talking about domestic or imported beef.”

They also suggested that, at some point, USDA might consider splitting out the data to reflect imports and domestic product. Other countries, such as Canada, already provide similar information in their markets.

Beef cuts increased by one percent to 41.4 million pounds.

Pork Looking at competing proteins, CME Group points out that pork in cold storage was 8.6 percent below a year ago and 0.9 percent lower than the five-year average at 628.4 million pounds.

“Last year, cold storage stocks rose sharply in February, March and April as markets had difficulty absorbing the rapid increase in pork supplies,” they explain. “Weekly

hog slaughter for the period December to February was estimated to be 2.9 percent higher than the same period a year ago, while pork production was estimated to be up 2.1 percent over last year.”

However, overall pork inventories have been declining.

The biggest increase in pork stocks was seen in ribs, which were up 35 percent from a year ago.

“End users have been very aggressive in increasing rib inventories in order to hedge some of their needs for the spring,” CME Group explains. “The inventory of pork trim continues to be light, down 41 percent from a year ago and 31 percent lower than the five-year average.”

The result, they summarize, is that the pork market should be supported in the spring when demand for foods like hot dogs and sausages increase.

Ham inventories have also dropped to 115.8 million pounds, a decrease of 9.3 percent from last year and 1.4 percent from the five-year

average.

Chicken Finally, turning to chicken inventories, CME Group calls the report “more of the same” and speculates impacts will be “largely neutral.”

Inventories were 810.4 million pounds, an increase of 10.7 percent over a year ago and 22.7 percent above the five-year average.

“If there was a positive in the chicken numbers, it is that overall stocks declined 1.6 percent from the previous month, in line with the normal drawdown in supplies, hence our view that the results were largely neutral for the chicken market,” they comment.

CME Group adds, “While the large inventories may cap the upside for chicken prices, it appears that at this point, markets are doing a better job of absorbing the steady increases in chicken production.”

Saige Albert compiled this article from “The Daily Livestock Report,” a daily publication by Steve Meyer and Len Steiner, Inc.

Wyoming Livestock Roundup

Page B13

U.S. Meat Animal Research Center considers feedlot questions in research The U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC) in Clay Center, Neb. works on a variety of projects related to meat animal production.

“Objectives of USMARC are to increase efficiency of production while maintaining a lean, high-quality product,” says the center, which is a division of USDA’s Agricultural Research Service.

“Therefore, the research ultimately benefits the consumer as well as the production and agri-business sectors of animal agriculture. The research is directed toward problems of national concern and to meeting USDA’s Action Agencies’ research needs.”

Nearly 50 percent of the research at USMARC involves beef cattle.

“We evaluate a lot of animals,” Kristin Hales, research animal scientist at USMARC, adds, noting that they work within four units – genetics, breeding and animal health; meats safety and quality; nutrition and environmental management; and reproduction.

Feedlot research Within the realm of feedlot research, three primary research areas are pursued, including individual animal feed efficiency, growth technologies and physiology of feed intake.

“We look at individual animal feed efficiency,” she explains. “When we do these things, we often do a breed or diet evaluation, as well.”

USMARC also looks at genotype by environmental interactions.

“We have also developed an extreme tissue bank,” Hales adds.

The extreme tissue bank incorporates tissue samples from steers that are deemed extreme for intake and gain. Extremes hit both the top and bottom.

“This was an idea that one of our molecular geneticists had,” Hales says. “We’re looking at steers with extreme differences in intake and gain phenotypes. The goal is to evaluate gene expression in certain tissues as they relate to phenotype.”

They want to take the information gained and translate it into information that producers can use.

“We want to see what is expressed in animals with a certain phenotype and maybe make it useable for producers,” she says.

Tissue samples have been taken from the liver, adipose, rumen, small intestine, jejunum, ilium, duodenum, cecum, large intestine and blood.

Growth Another area of feed-

lot research that they look at analyzes growth technology, according to Hales.

“A lot of times, we evaluate implants and beta agonists to look at any interaction that they might have,” she explains.

“We’re trying to determine the effect of moderate and aggressive implant strategies with beta agonists on performance and carcass characteristics.”

She further notes that they test for breed and genomic interactions at the same time.

Hales says, “We are using roughly 3,000 head of steers over seven years.

These steers are part of our germplasm evaluation, which represents the 18 largest breeds in the U.S., in terms of registered numbers.”

Approximately 360 spring-born steers and 175 fall-born steers are evaluated each year, and treatments were first applied in the spring of 2014.

“We are trying to see if, for example, Charolais cattle benefit from beta agonists in the same way that Angus do,” Hales adds. “We’re looking at the most popular breeds in the U.S.” Microbiomes More recently, USMARC has started looking at microbiomes.

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Sire: Basin Excitement

ADG

S/A MC Excitement 5M4-1205

S/A Identity 3100-285 L o t

1 1 9

1 2 1 1-20-15

Sire: Basin Excitement

Sire: Koupals B&B Identity

RAT

WDA

YR

IND

SC

ADG

RAT

WDA

YR

IND

SC

3.67

110

3.13

97

111

39.0

3.65

110

3.13

94

101

36.0

BW

WW

Milk

YW

365

Eff

BW

WW

Milk

YW

365

Eff

130

2.7

51

30

97

1130

100

2.8

65

19

110

1168

Dam Production 6 NR 111 • 4 YR 103 Maternal Grandam Production 1 NR 113 • 1 YR 115

Lot 123 124

2-8-15

ADG

Birth Sire 2-27-15 S/A Complement 171-143 3-3-15 Sitz Upward 307R

Dam Production 4 NR 105 • 3 YR 104 Maternal Grandam Production 10 NR 107 • 9 YR 104

Also Selling ADG 3.50 3.48

Rat WDA YR 105 3.18 103 105 3.19 96

365 1221 1151

IND SC Eff 107 33.0 102 102 35.0 96

Marshall, WI

608-444-2637 andy@strasburgangus.com

www.StrasburgAngus.com Follow us on Facebook www.Facebook.com/StrasburgAngus

“When I say microbiome, we’re looking at the variation in microbial populations for the extreme cattle – those high and low intake and gain animals,” she says. “The take-home message is that we can see there is a different number of microbes in each type of steers. That’s important.”

Differences in bacterial groups within the gut of steers is more often associated with gain than intake, but Hales says, “This is a relatively new area, so we anticipate more research in this area and continue to look at how microbiome effects phenotypes.

Feed intake “We are also attempting to understand the physiology of feed intake to get a good grasp of what impacts feed intake,” Hales adds. “We are trying to determine the association of hormones and metabolites with feed intake, growth and efficiency.”

“We’re trying to determine the effect of moderate and aggressive implant strategies with beta agonists on performance and carcass characteristics.” – Kristin Hales, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center The research looks at genetic influences and their impacts on concentrations of hormones involved in appetite and growth.

“Ideally, we could determine the ability of the rumen and metabolite concentrations to potentially predict intake, growth and efficiency,” Hales says.

“We may be eventually able to use them as a selection index when looking at animals.”

One example metabolite is ghrelin, a gut peptide that signals appetite.

Ghrelin has both active and total forms.

“It appears that ghrelin has to be in the active form to have an influence on the animal’s metabolism,” she explains. “Active ghrelin

accounts for roughly six percent, and it accounted for 10 percent of variation in feed intake.”

Hales adds that it also appears that there are differences in ghrelin between breeds.

“We think there is something here in relationship to breed and the physiology of feed efficiency,” Hales says.

Hales comments, “There’s a lot of things we’re working on right now.”

Visit the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center online at ars.usda.gov/ recovery/claycenter.htm.

Saige Albert is managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup and can be reached at saige@ wylr.net.

2016 Midland Bull Test Edition

Page B14

Extension educator reviews multiple considerations for fall and spring calving Fall versus spring calving may be an important consideration as U.S. producers look at rebuilding their herds, according to Oklahoma State University Emeritus Extension Animal Scientist Glenn Selk.

“Do we want to have a spring calving operation, a fall calving operation or perhaps both?” he questions in an online video titled, “Cow/Calf Corner: Calving Seasons.”

Selk notes that there are no right or wrong answers when picking a season for calving, but there are some pros and cons to both.

“One thing to consider is what other duties are on the operation,” he notes.

Off-farm jobs and responsibilities may also affect which season is most practical for a specific operation.

“When the best time that producers would be available to help cows or heifers during the calving season is certainly one consideration that I would look at,” notes Selk.

Weather conditions Weather during the breeding season is another factor producers may want to consider when assessing their calving season.

“We know that extreme heat in the summertime can have quite an impact on reproduction,” he comments. “If we can, avoid breeding cattle in the months of July and August,

I think that is to our advantage.”

Breeding in May or June likely provides an opportunity to breed in much cooler weather for spring calving and breeding for fall calving hits in much cooler months, such as November, December or perhaps even early January.

“During the calving season, looking at what the weather will be is another key consideration,” adds Selk.

Weather in September and October tends to be much more favorable for checking on cows and heifers in the middle of the night than it is in February and March.

“Also, we should be

able to save a few more calves because there is less weather stress on those baby calves when they are born,” he comments.

Breeding timeframe Overall reproduction health of the herd is another factor that Selk suggests reviewing when looking at a breeding and calving timeframe.

“Several universities have made comparisons of fall versus spring calving. In almost all cases, fall calvers have a little bit of a higher reproductive rate than the spring calvers in the same environment,” he says.

Body condition at the time of calving is a key influencer for cycling in cows and their ability to

“Cattle coming out of the summer are typically in better body condition than their counterparts that are coming through a tougher winter.” – Glenn Selk, Oklahoma State University Extension reproduce in subsequent years.

“Cattle coming out of the summer are typically in better body condition than their counterparts that are coming through a tougher winter,” Selk explains.

Fall calving also typically occurrs on drier ground, which can reduce the prevalence of scours-causing pathogens.

Producer preference “There are a myriad of reasons for why we might choose one season over the other,” Selk adds.

Either way, producers want to have a short calving season so they can produce a uniform set of calves that can be marketed together at the best possible price.

“Personally, I would choose fall calving because calves are in better body condition at calving time, and it’s a better time of year in terms of reproduction for the cows,” Selk concludes.

Natasha Wheeler is editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup and can be contacted at natasha@ wylr.net.

Spring brings increased potential for parasite problems in cattle Spring brings new life to the ranch. There are new babies and fresh green lush grass, but what many don’t realize is that new green grass can harbor a new birth of parasites.

When parasites are shed through fecal material, the larvae can overwinter by burrowing into the soil. These larvae have been known to survive even in temperatures of 40 degrees below zero by burrowing deeper into the soil.

When the grass starts

greening up in the spring, the larvae move up onto the blades of grass and will infect the cattle as they graze.

“As cows eat the larvae, the parasite life cycle continues, and the cows will load the pasture with new eggs that hatch over the summer,” according to Merial Sales Representative Matthew Cox. Larvae growth As temperatures increase, the metabolism of the larvae also increases, and the lar-

vae need to find a host to survive. While spring deworming of cattle can help reduce the parasite levels in pastures, when the weather warms up, the parasites will reemerge to infect the cattle.

Cox says most deworming products available only offer 14 to 42 days of protection, which isn’t long enough to starve off parasites.

“No product is 100 percent effective, so cattle will always have a few parasites,” he explains.

6 Outstanding Angus Prospects Combining Carcass, Growth and Efficiency KB Ten X of 2W21-C07

KB Fate of 701-C19

#7 AD G Group 1

Lot 338 1-17-15 ADG

by A A R Ten X 7008 S A Rat

WDA

YR

IND

SC

“On an operation, research shows only 10 percent of the worms will be in the cattle. The other 90 percent will be in the pasture.”

Parasite impacts What has been difficult to determine is how many parasites it takes to be detrimental to cattle, because every cow and calf is different.

“The question becomes, how many eggs per gram does it take to start hurting my operation?” he asks producers.

“It is a hard question to answer because the metabolic and immune systems differ in each animal.”

“Some cows can handle a decent parasite load, while others can’t,” he continues. “In some cases, five or six brown stomach worms might start knocking down the efficiency in our operation.”

Spring treatments Cox feels that spring

Eff

ADG

by SydGen Fate 2800 Rat

WDA

YR

IND

SC

cow will breed back sooner,” Cox says.

Scientific research In fact, Merck has conducted studies looking at the impact of parasite control. In one study of cattle on pasture and in the feedlot, they found that of the cattle that were treated in both places, only 2.5 percent needed medication of any type.

The group of cattle in the study that received no parasite control had 13.8 percent that needed antibiotics or medication.

“Antibiotics aren’t cheap, so if we can cut down on antibiotic use by having healthier, parasite-free cattle, it can save us a lot of money,” Cox says.

Gayle Smith is a correspondent for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup.

Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr. net.

GROWTH • MUSCLING

Lot 340 2-3-15

treatment for parasite control is important.

“The spring pastures will already be contaminated, so we want to cut down that growth.

Research has shown that by spring treating cows, they will wean heavier calves,” he explains.

Cox has heard producers say their cattle have a shiny or glossy haircoat, so they don’t need parasite control. This is a myth, Cox says.

“Hair coat is not a good indicator of parasite load,” he states. “A lot of things can cause cattle to have a poor haircoat, like mineral deficiency, excess mineral and copper.”

Parasites can also impact the ability of cattle to respond to vaccines.

A cow that has been vaccinated against parasites will gain easier and show better body condition.

“A healthier, heavier

Drysdale Bullseye 5154

Eff

4.22

126

3.46

105

115

38.0

115

3.85

116

3.63

109

110

40.0

106

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108

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101

99

BW

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3.5

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29

104

1266

104

This bull is a flush brother to the top indexing bull in the MCA/MSU Evaluation Program.

KB Safeguard of 2W21-B24

Dam Prod 6 NR 100 3 YR 102

KB Prophet of 481-C04

Lot 82 1-28-15

REA 102 Maternal Grandam 8 NR 100 • 1 YR 100

by MOGCK Bullseye

Drysdale Identity 5725

Lot 336 12-20-14

by PA Safeguard 021

Lot 337 1-8-15

by G A R Prophet

ADG

Rat

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YR

IND

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Eff

ADG

Rat

WDA

YR

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3.52

106

3.33

104

107

41.5

106

3.85

116

3.52

109

107

41.5

100

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YW

365

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2.9

55

31

106

1244

119

133

2.9

65

40

119

1312

115

112

Ranks Top 1% for $B; Top 2% for RE; Top 5% for DOC; Top 10% for RADG, SC, Milk, $F, $G

Dam Prod: 2 NR 106 1 YR 102

Birth 1-22-15 2-12-15

Sire A A R Ten X 7008 S A EXAR Denver 2002B

ADG Rat 3.43 103 3.06 92

WDA YR 365 IND SC EFF REA 3.39 110 1303 108 42.5 110 111 3.31 102 1221 106 36.0 116 97

KB ANGUS

IMF 112 127

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

Rat

WDA

YR

IND

SC

3.76

113

3.39

105

104

38.0

BW

WW

Milk

YW

365

Eff

2.0

52

22

98

1256

102

REA 106 Out of a 9-year-old Connealy Danny Boy daughter. Maternal Grandam 4 NR 99

Lot 83 1-19-15

by Koupals B&B Identity

Also Selling an Ad ditional Son of MOGCK Bullseye Lot 81

Also Selling: Lot 339 341

ADG

Birth ADG 1-24-15 3.22

Rat 97

WDA YR 3.46 106

IND 101

365 1270

SC 42.0

BW WW Milk YW Eff 0.9 61 25 108 98

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Chelsey Mae Drysdale • Wabasha, MN • 507-450-5841

REA 110

Wyoming Livestock Roundup

Page B15

Study shows economic benefit using fixed time AI over natural service In a 2007-08 survey conducted by USDA, eight percent of cattle producers in the U.S. reported using estrus synchronization, and 7.6 percent reported the use of artificial insemination (AI), according to Research Economist Kathy Larson at Western Beef Development Centre (WBDC) in Saskatchewan, Canada.

Data also showed that the use of AI increased with herd size, indicating that 19.3 percent of operations used estrus synchronization, and 19.8 percent used AI in operations with 200 head or more of cattle.

“This is to say, it appears natural breeding is most common, and probably, some of the hesitancy is the feeling that it’s quite a bit more expensive to use fixed-time AI,” predicts Larson.

In comparison, she questions how many producers have outlined all of the costs associated with maintaining herd bulls for natural service.

Natural service costs Walking through an example, Larson notes that WBDC purchased two natural service bulls in 2015 to complete their collection of herd sires for an operation of 350 cows.

“Our ranch manager told me we paid $4,000 per bull, which was probably a pretty good deal,” she notes.

For the example, Larson increased the assumed bull cost to $4,500 per bull and predicted that each bull would be of service for four years within the herd.

“Four years out, what do we think we will get for the cull value on those bulls?” she asks.

Larson reminds producers that cull prices four years from now can change quite a bit from current prices, and she listed 80 cents per pound

as her estimated value for the two bulls. At 2,000 pounds apiece, the estimated cull value of each animal totaled $1,600.

“For every year a bull is in our herd, they essentially depreciate or decline in value by $725 a year,” she explains, figuring this assumption into her example.

Other considerations Maintenance costs such as feed, yardage and labor were also calculated, as was a manual semen test for each bull, estimated at $750.

Larson adds, “I am also going to build in a risk of loss at 10 percent of the price of the bull to account for the chance he will injure himself, get foot rot or be unable to breed the females.”

A final calculation from the example indicates that each bull would cost $1,925 per year.

“If I expect that bull to service 25 females, that’s an average cost of $77 per female for natural service breeding,” she says.

At local, recent bull sales in the area, animals sold for averages as high as $10,000.

Taking the average bull prices from three different sales, a sire could be assumed to cost $7,560. Inserting that price into her example, Larson notes that natural service breeding would average out to $120 per female.

AI study In a one-year study at WBDC, Larson and her team evaluated the costs of fixed time AI. “Breeding occurred in the summer of 2013, and the calf crop was born in the spring of 2014,” she notes.

Forty cows were bred by natural service with a 60-day breeding season, and 40 cows were bred with fixed-time AI and exposed to a cleanup bull for 47 days, 10 days after AI

6 T o pI p r o5 s p e cMT s f ncludIng

sons of

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breeding.

“We pregnancy-checked in mid-October, three months after the AI date,” she adds.

The WBDC study used CIDR protocol, including two shots of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and prostaglandin F2-alpha.

“We also hired a trained technician to perform the AI,” comments Larson, noting that some producers may be able eliminate that cost if they are able to perform the procedure themselves.

Material costs “Two shots of GnRH cost six dollars per head, prostaglandin was five dollars, and the CIDR was $17 per female,” she explains.

Extra supplies worked out to one dollar per head and semen costs averaged out to $27 per straw.

“There were 120 cows that we AI-bred that season, but we only graphed out 40 for this small demonstration comparison study,” she adds.

Costs calculated for the technician worked out to $18 per head, and labor and handling was estimated at $13 per head. Exposure to a cleanup bull was also included and estimated at $42.50 per cow.

“When we tally that all up, our costs are at about $130 per cow,” states Larson.

Compared to buying natural service bulls at $7,200, the fixed-time AI cost totaled out at $10 per head more than natural service breeding.

“We captured a lot of data from our study,” Larson remarks. “Pregnancy rate was slightly higher for AI cows, calving rate was higher, as well, and birth weight was slightly higher with AI.” A higher percentage of AI cows weaned calves, but overall weaning weights showed that natural service cows weaned heavier calves.

“Given all of the con-

orefronT

by

lected only from one small study, but the information indicates potential benefits of fixed time AI production.

“Breeding results will change from year to year and operation to operation,” she says.

Larson presented her data during a Jan. 29 webinar hosted by the Beef Council Research Centre, which can be found at youtu.be/ TtkE-wLKYwY. Natasha Wheeler is editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup and can be contacted at natasha@wylr.net.

Breeding benefits - When determining whether to use natural service or artificial insemination, Kathy Larson says producers should consider all costs involved in both options before making a decision.

Natasha Wheeler photo

Growth • Efficiency • Carcass 5 Top Angus Bulls Will Mohnen Impressive C50 1-15-15 • By Mohnen Impressive 1093 ADG

Rat

WDA

YR

IND

SC

4.00

120

3.35

110

110

37.0

BW

WW

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YW

365

Eff

1.1 56 23 97 1304 105 REA 103 • Mat Grandam: 4 NR 109 2 YR 109 Out of a first calf heifer that was the high selling bred heifer at the 2014 NILE sale.

1094 Granite King C598 1-21-15 • By Connealy Black Granite

ADG

RAT

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YR

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SC

EFF

3.80

114

3.35

105

110

38.5

109

BW

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205

365

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0.8

50

18

89

776

1242

104

Dam Prod 6 NR 101 • 2 YR 100 Mat. Granddam Prod 6 NR 101 • 3 YR 97

1-4-15

the differences in costs and revenues that result from a change in the management practice,” she explains.

By adding the increased revenues and decreased costs, then subtracting the increased costs and decreased revenues, Larson calculates how the budget changed between her natural service bull example and the WBDC study.

“We ended up with a net change in profit of $10,270,” she remarks.

Larson concludes by saying that her data was col-

Lot 19

Wright Way Money Maker 195

l o T 172

ception and weaning data, we totaled an additional 4,170 pounds of weaning weight from the AI cows, worth $11,250 in October 2014,” Larson concluds.

Budget analysis To further break down the data, Larson reviews a partial budget analysis between the two breeding techniques.

“A partial budget analysis was used to assess management practices that we are considering adopting on our operation. It pieces everything out so we look at both

ADG

Rat

WDA

YR

IND

SC

3.59

108

3.27

102

105

37.5

BW

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1.5

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30

84

1223

103

REA 116 Mat Grandam: 13 NR 104 13 YR 105

Lot 20

M y T T y f o r e f r o n T 1094 G #9 AD 1 p Grou

Wright Way Super Duty 385 ADG

RAT

WDA

YR

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4.13

124

3.66

116

121

39.0

115

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29

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Out of a Pendleton x New Standard dam Dam Prod 2 NR 119

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addITIonal prospecTs

by

Lot

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*171

1-1-15

Mytty Forefront 1094

3.76

113

3.42

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1270

115

43.0

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Mytty Forefront 1094

3.13

94

3.19

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39.0

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1-11-15

Mytty Forefront 1094

3.65

109

3.57

111

1318

106

32.0

84

170

12-20-14

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3.52

105

3.21

107

1273

108

33.0

100

*#9 EFF Ratio Group 1

WrIghT Way angus Peggy

S t . J o h n , WA 99171 W r i g h t • 509-844-5817

Lot 21

M y T T y f o r e f r o n T 1094

Rat

WDA

YR

IND

SC

3.61

108

3.31

102

106

37.0

BW

WW

Milk

YW

365

Eff

1223

109

1.6 52 25 97 REA 109 • IMF 127 Mat Grandam: 8 NR 97 2 YR 99 Great maternal value...with performance.

ALSO SELLING: Lot 24 25

Birth 1-16-15 1-24-15

BW 2.3 3.2

WW 51 54

Milk 23 29

YW 97 102

ADG 3.56 3.22

Rat 107 97

WDA 3.16 3.24

YR 365 IND SC Eff 99 1189 102 36.0 103 98 1181 98 40.5 91

Willekes Angus Choteau, MT • Robert Willekes 406-466-2610 • 406-590-2520

2016 Midland Bull Test Edition

Page B16

Breeding soundness exams insure bull performance at breeding season Many factors play a role in fertility and breeding ability in bulls, including semen quality, soundness, desire to breed cows, etc. It’s wise to make sure every bull passes a breeding soundness examination before putting him with cows.

This evaluation looks at five things: physical soundness, reproductive tract soundness, scrotal circumference that meets minimum requirements, percentage of sperm cells that are normal and acceptable motility.

Reproductive soundness Mike Sanderson of Kansas State University explains that the veterinarian palpates the testicles to make sure there is nothing wrong – that they feel normal and can freely move in the scrotum.

“We palpate the internal reproductive organs and make sure they seem okay. We also make sure the penis extends and that there is nothing wrong with it – no adhesions from old injuries,” he explains.

If an injury has completely healed and the penis is able to extend far enough to breed, the bull will pass the test.

Body condition is also assessed.

“We measure scrotal circumference because this is an important indication of how much sperm the bull will produce and may determine how many cows he can potentially breed.

We can’t say that if his testicles are a certain size we can put him on “X” number of cows, but the bigger the factory, the more potential.

Research has also shown that scrotal circumference is related to age of puberty in the bull’s daughters.

Bulls with larger testicles tend to have daughters that reach puberty sooner,”

says Sanderson.

“If it’s a bull that we’ve tested multiple years, we can look back and see if scrotal size has stayed the same. Then, we know when it starts to decline, when he may start to go downhill in fertility,” he adds.

“We look at semen motility, how well the sperm swim and percentage of sperm cells that are normal. We need to know what kind of abnormalities we see. These can be difficult to interpret but sometimes give clues about what might have happened in the past if this bull has a problem and how likely he is to get over it versus how likely it might be the beginning of infertility,” says Sanderson.

Records History of the bull and past records can be helpful when assessing him for the next breeding season.

“All of those things, more than just the semen check, are very important. There are limitations to the breeding soundness exam and semen check because what we see is what the bull is producing today, and that doesn’t tell us anything about what the bull will be producing tomorrow or next week,” he explains.

These exams have proven helpful, however.

“We can identify bulls that will not do well this breeding season, so we can replace them. It doesn’t guarantee that a bull that is in wonderful shape today will be fertile by the time breeding season starts or two weeks into it,” he says.

“We talk about sub-fertile bulls and try not to use the term infertile because very few bulls are actually infertile. A bull may be sub-fertile, however – not as fertile as he

Sperm samples - In conducting breeding soundness exams, Veterinarian Duane Mickelsen says that morphology is the most important factor associated with fertility. Sperm morphology is examined in the field using a microscope. Heather Smith Thomas photo

needs to be,” he adds.

Sanderson adds, a bull is not paying his way if he only sires a few calves, especially if he’s keeping the more timid bulls from breeding.

Morphology, motility Duane Mickelsen, a veterinarian retired from Washington State University, has been doing fertility studies in beef cattle for many years, and he has conducted thousands of breeding soundness exams.

He says morphology, looking at the form and structure of sperm and comparing numbers of normal and abnormal sperm, is probably the most important factor associated with fertility.

Bulls are flunked if they fail on any one of three standards – scrotal circumference less than 30 centimeters, less than 70 percent morphologically normal sperm or less than 30 percent motility under field circumstances.

“A bull failing any one of these three standards is reason to flunk that bull, but in field situations it can sometimes be tricky to accurately check motility,” says Mickelsen.

“I take a heated box when I do these examinations. Many veterinarians collect a sample and then run from the chute to their vehicle to evaluate semen, and if the slides are cold, motility is hindered. This evaluation may not be accurate. Thus, motility is the poorest standard to go by,” he says.

“Some veterinarians go mainly by motility, yet it has the poorest correlation with fertility. If they don’t look at morphology, which means counting about 100 sperm and determining percent of normal compared to percent with abnormalities, they may not get an accurate picture of potential fertility,” he explains.

“Motility can be so

variable that I don’t pay as much attention to that as morphology. A cold slide or other factors can kill all the sperm in a sample, whereas morphology is more accurate and useful.

I don’t pay any attention

to live or dead, just what’s normal,” he says.

Heather Smith Thomas is a correspondent for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@ wylr.net.

Ready for breeding - Breeding soundness exams are important to ensuring that bulls are capable of performing properly before they are turned in with cows. Heather Smith Thomas photo