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Western Illinois University's beef evaluation station will hold its 38th annual performance tested bull sale beginning at 7 p.m. Friday, March 19 at the WIU Livestock Center. Pictured here are some of the bulls in October 2009. "The School of Agriculture's bull test sale is one of the few places where all bulls have individual feed efficiency information available," said Ken Nimrick, associate professor in Western's School of Ag.
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WIU Performance Tested Bull Sale March 19; 50 Bulls for Sale at School of Ag's Beef Evaluation Station

March 3, 2010

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MACOMB, IL -- Western Illinois University's beef evaluation station will hold its 38th annual performance tested bull sale beginning at 7 p.m. Friday, March 19 at the WIU Livestock Center, located one mile west of Highway 67 on Tower Road in Macomb. According to Ken Nimrick, associate professor in Western's School of Agriculture, 50 bulls are for sale this year.

Breeds represented are Angus, Charolais-Angus hybrids, Red Angus, Simmental and Simmental-Angus hybrids. All bulls are Merial SureHealth™ certified and tested free of Johnes disease. Once again this year, the bulls tested were free of persistently infected BVD (Bovine virus diarrhea) and genetic defects. The bulls have also completed a breeding-soundness exam and are ready for the upcoming breeding season.

"Extensive production information is available about these bulls to help breeders improve their herds through known genetic information," said Nimrick. "The School of Agriculture's bull test sale is one of the few places where all bulls have individual feed efficiency information available," he added.

"At WIU, all bulls are tested under identical conditions so we can see how bulls from different breeders compare when fed and managed the same," explained Bruce Engnell, coordinator of the WIU School of Ag University farm.

In addition to average daily gain and feed efficiency information, data will also be provided on each bull's ribeye area, 12th rib fat, marbling, scrotal circumference, pelvic area, frame score and birth weight, plus EPD data from the respective breed associations.

According to Nimrick and Engnell, the WIU Bull Test provides breeders and potential buyers with more performance information than any other performance tested bull sale.

"Many realize that balanced rations and good management can affect feed efficiency and production cost," Nimrick noted. "However, studies show that approximately 40 percent of the differences in feed efficiency are accounted for by genetics. Reduced feed usage means higher profits from your next calf crop. What does this mean in dollars and cents? A bull requiring two pounds less feed per pound of gain than another bull will sire calves that will require $30-50 less feed. If that bull sires 100 calves over his lifetime, he will put $3,000 or more in your bank account compared to the other bull. Can you afford not to use a bull with documented feed efficiency? Remember the benefits will continue to compound down the road as you save replacement females. You can inherit the difference in your herd," Nimrick explained.

Lowderman Auction Service will auctioneer the sale.

The WIU bull testing station is open daily for those interested in viewing the bulls prior to the sale. Catalogs will go out to the regular mailing list this month.

For more information, to request a sale catalog or to schedule a viewing, contact Nimrick at (309) 298-1288, Bruce Engnell at (309) 298-2233 or the WIU School of Agriculture at (309) 298-1080. The sale catalog and additional information about the bulls is also available at wiu.edu/bulltest.

Posted By: Teresa Koltzenburg (WIUNews@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing