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Pictured is the top-selling bull in the 39th Annual Western Illinois University Performance Bull Sale held by the School of Agriculture March 18, 2011, at the WIU Livestock Center near the WIU-Macomb campus. This bull, DAF Pin Stripes X38, was consigned to the test by Diamond A Farms and brought $4,750 at this year's sale. Detailed sale results are available at www.wiu.edu/bulltest. Photo Credit: Darcie Rahe, WIU student (major: animal science; minor: photography)
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40th Annual Bull Test Program at WIU School of Ag Taking Entries by Aug. 31

June 30, 2011

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MACOMB, IL -- Entries are now being accepted for the 40th Annual Western Illinois University School of Agriculture's Bull Test Program. According to Ken Nimrick, associate professor, entries for the 112-day test are open to any breed and are due by Wednesday, Aug. 31; however, Nimrick noted, bulls must be weaned and started on a preconditioning program no later than Friday, Aug. 19.

"The WIU Bull Test Program offers breeders the opportunity to compare their bulls against bulls from other breeders when fed and managed in the same environment," explained Nimrick. "Our last five sales have posted record averages and totals. More than 70 percent of the bulls sell to repeat buyers, which is a testament to the program's success and the buyers' satisfaction. We've also worked hard at controlling costs in these difficult times and hope to improve on this, as well," he added.

The WIU Bull Test Program evaluates the performance of bulls in a common environment and provides information on scrotal circumference, pelvic area, rib eye area, fat depth and marbling. Nimrick said the bulls are also indexed, so the breeder gets a substantial amount of information in a situation that provides an unbiased comparison.

"We've made some changes in the testing program, and we hope that breeders, old and new, will find the test to be an invaluable part of their performance programs. In addition to the test 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 Friday, March 16, 2012.

"The sale offers proven genetics to the industry," Nimrick noted. "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 about entering bulls in the program, contact 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 online at www.wiu.edu/bulltest/

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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