Bull Test

About the Test

June 27, 2011

ENTRIES ACCEPTED FOR WIU BULL TEST PROGRAM

MACOMB, IL -- Entries are now being accepted for the 40th Annual Western Illinois University Bull Testing Program. According to Ken Nimrick entries for the 112-day test are open to any breed and are due Aug. 31, however bulls must be weaned and started on a preconditioning program no later than August 19.

The WIU Bull Test offers breeders the opportunity to compare their bulls against bulls from other breeders when fed and managed in the same environment. Our last five sales have posted record averages and totals. Over 70% of the bulls sell to repeat buyers attesting to the success of the program and the satisfaction of buyers. We've also worked hard at controlling costs in these difficult times and hope to improve on this as well.

The WIU Bull Test Program evaluates performance of bulls in a common environment and provides information on scrotal circumference, pelvic area, ribeye area, fat depth and marbling. The bulls are also indexed, so the breeder gets a rather substantial amount of information in a situation that provides an unbiased comparison. We've made some changes in the testing program, and hope that breeders, old and new, will find the test to be an invaluable part of their performance program. In addition to the testing program bulls will have ultrasonic data gathered to be included in their breed's EPD program.

At the conclusion of the test, a sale of the top bulls will be held March 16, 2012 to offer proven genetics to the industry. The days of having cattle just for fun are gone. Today's cattle producer is extremely conscious of the bottom line and proven performance bulls that have been properly developed can make that bottom line appear a lot brighter.

For more information on entering bulls in the program, contact either Ken Nimrick at 309-298-1288 or 309-337-4352, or the WIU School of Agriculture office at 309-298-1080. Entry forms for this year's test, along with information on last year's program, can also be obtained at: www.wiu.edu/bulltest/

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