For producers interested in evaluating how their bulls perform at high elevation, the University of Wyoming is offering its second annual High Altitude Bull Test and Sale.
The program provides data on individual bull performance and offers a venue for producers to market and sell bulls that have undergone pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) testing. It also offers an opportunity for students to gain real-world experience in bull development, management and marketing.
Testing is conducted at the Laramie Research and Extension Center (LREC), located about 7,200 feet above sea level. The 2023-24 test and sale include divisions for both yearlings and 2-year-old bulls.
Consignors and producers will receive PAP test and breeding soundness exam results; ultrasound ribeye area and fat thickness measurements; and data on individual feed intake. They also will have access to feed efficiency metrics, including feed to gain, residual feed intake and average daily gain.
Registration for the test closes Friday, Oct. 20. Entry forms and the consignors’ handbook can be found at https://bit.ly/UWBull_Test_Info_2023. Entry forms can be completed online or printed and mailed.
Bulls must be delivered to LREC by Wednesday, Nov. 1. Before the test, they will undergo a 45-day screening period to assess their risk for pulmonary hypertension. Testing concludes Wednesday, Feb. 14.
“We are looking forward to building on the success of last year’s test through the addition of a 70-day feed efficiency test, additional age categories and transitioning to a live sale,” says Shelby Rosasco, UW Extension beef specialist and co-organizer of the program. “We also are really excited about continuing to offer students hands-on experience in bull development and marketing.”
This year, Rosasco and her colleagues have expanded the program to include courses in both the fall and spring semesters. Students enrolled in the fall class are currently building knowledge and skills related to bull growth, nutrition, reproduction and genetics.
During the test, students will be responsible for bull management and data collection under the guidance of UW faculty and staff. They also will help plan the sale and develop marketing materials for each consigned bull.
The 2023-24 High Altitude Bull Test and Sale will conclude with a field day and live sale Saturday, March 9, at LREC. The event is free and open to the public. For those interested in buying bulls, online and phone bidding will be available.
For more information on the test and sale, email Rosasco at srosasco@uwyo.edu or call (307) 766-2329.