Seventy-four bulls representing 9 breeds were delivered to The Feedlot near Wilson, LA November 29, 2007 to begin the 9th annual Louisiana Forage-Based Bull Performance Test. This project is conducted by the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service in cooperation with Dixon Correctional Institute and Prison Enterprises.
Upon arrival, bulls were weighed, assigned a test identification, dewormed, administered a respiratory booster vaccine and a metaphylactic antibiotic (Draxxin) treatment, assigned to a light or heavy pen group based on weight and given a disposition score. Scrotal measurements were also taken on each bull.
The Prine ryegrass cultivar was planted in mid-October in a prepared seedbed fertilized at a 60-40-80 pound per acre rate. Additional nitrogen fertilizer was applied in early January 2007 at the rate of 140 pounds of N per acre.
Bulls were weighed and placed on test December 12, 2006. Prior to initiating the test, bulls were grazed part-time and fed a 12% concentrate diet consisting of corn, soybean meal, cottonseed hulls and minerals. Shortly after delivery, approximately 35 bulls were treated for respiratory infections with either Draxxin or Micotil. During the grazing period, bulls were provided a complete mineral containing Bovatec free choice. One bull died of respiratory infection and one bull was removed from the test due to a hoof injury. At 90 days, bulls were weighed and dewormed again. For the first 90-days, bulls averaged 909 pounds in weight, 230 pounds gain, and 2.55 ADG.
The test concluded May 15, 2007 with 72 bulls gaining 377 pounds in 154 days. Bulls averaged 1072 pounds in weight and 2.45 ADG. Bulls averaged 51 inches, 38 cm, and 3.19 in hip height, scrotal circumference and disposition, respectively. Average carcass ultrasound data were 9.57 square in REA; 0.94 square in REA/cwt; 0.21 in fat thickness and 3.10 % intramuscular fat.
Several bulls (18---with one bull disqualified for failing BSE) were selected for a performance tested sale held in cooperation with Dominique’s Sale Barn in Baton Rouge. Three of 17 bulls sold for 1,200, 1,000 and 1,000 dollars. While not an inspiring sale by any description, it nonetheless brought attention to the forage-based test and we’re thankful for the cooperation and opportunity to sell performance tested bulls.
In comparison to prior tests, bulls gained at a slower rate possibly due to early respiratory problems. Bulls were smaller in REA and lower in REA/cwt indicating less muscle than in previous years. However, bulls averaged higher in % intramuscular fat indicating they would grade higher than bulls in previous tests.
Producers need to continue to monitor their breeding program through forage-based performance testing so as to select those cattle that excel in growth, performance and carcass attributes.