**For Immediate Release**
Bulls Weighed for 54th Annual Beef Bull Performance Test
-released by OPSU Campus Communications 10-11-05
The Annual Beef Bull Performance
Test at Oklahoma Panhandle State University, Goodwell,
is underway for the 54th consecutive year. The bulls
consigned to the test this year were officially weighed
on test October 8, 2005. There are 109 bulls consigned
to the test this year, representing six beef breeds – Angus,
Belgian Blue, Hereford, Maine-Anjou, Red Angus and Simmental.
Fifteen cooperators from the states of Oklahoma and Kansas
have bulls on test.
The test covers a period of 112 days
during which data will be collected on each bull’s
average daily gain, weight-per-day of age, frame score,
scrotal circumference, fat thickness, rib eye area and
marbling score. Feed efficiency is measured on a pen
basis. The bulls are fed a growing ration consisting
of rolled corn, rolled oats, chopped alfalfa, cottonseed
hulls, molasses and protein supplement. Performance summaries
will be reported at 28-day intervals during the test.
The test will be completed January 28, 2006 and the 54th
Annual Bull Sale is scheduled for Wednesday, February
22, 2006.
The OPSU Test Station has also initiated a heifer development
program. Heifers that are consigned to the program are
put on a growing ration, measured for growth, frame size,
pelvic area, reproductive tract maturity, disposition and
scanned for fat thickness, ribeye area and marbling score.
The heifers will be synchronized and bred via artificial
insemination to calving-ease bulls.
The bulls and heifers are being cared
for by OPSU student employees including Rebecca Reich,
Dayton, WY; Cody Cox, Chugwater, WY; Gary “Buddy” Curtis,
Luther, OK; and Bryant Weber, Woodward, OK.
If you would like to be placed on the mailing list to
receive the performance reports, please contact Gwen or
Jerry Martin, Oklahoma Panhandle State University, P.O.
Box 430, Goodwell, OK 73939, telephone (580) 349-1500,
or e-mail gwen@opsu.edu.
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