We run our performance test on the bulls for 4 consecutive months, weighed every 4 weeks.  This allows for a wide range of environmental conditions, sorts out anomalies, and blends in the compensatory gain of the first few weeks.  We also try to spread out the processing events since we have to run them through the chute for weight.  This time, we took an ear notch for BVD PI testing, poured for lice, and trimmed sheath hair.  The long, twisted hairs below the sheath are often dirty and matted, which can cause irritation and even exacerbate warts.  We have had much better breeding soundness evaluations since we began this maintenance step.

The group is at an average weight of 844 pounds, and has gained 4.3 pounds daily since weaning.  We really can see their rumen development during this first month.  The high fibre ration keeps the factory steaming along!

Today a rancher called with an excellent question about how our performance numbers on the bulls relate to each other. It merits some explanation. The three measurements of performance that we include in our catalog are 205 Day Adjusted Weight, Average Daily Gain, and Weight Per Day of Age.

• 205 Day Adjusted Weight is calculated by American Simmental Association, based on the weaning weight we submit for each animal. They adjust to exactly 205 days, and also make an adjustment based on the age of the dam.
•  Average Daily Gain (ADG) is calculated by us, based only on the performance of the bulls while on feed test. They are weighed every 4 weeks for 16 weeks.
• Weight Per Day of Age (WDA) is calculated by us, based on the bulls’ weight at time of ultrasound, which is usually mid to late January. It reflects their average gain over their entire life up to that point, including the time on test.
  These are basically three snapshots of a bull’s performance during different phases of his life. Some useful things can be determined by looking at the patterns: for example, if there is a significant difference between ADG and WDA, then the bull performed significantly better during one phase or the other. Or, if the 205 Adjusted Weaning weight is way above average but the bull’s weaning weight EPD is not, then we might assume his performance was environmentally rather than genetically driven.
  Our goal is to collect and present enough data to help cattlemen make a well rounded evaluation of what kind of package each bull offers. Happy studying!

Open Gate has added a new sire to the genetic program:

Hook”s Trinity 9T calves, January born, on first calf heifers.

For our purposes, we prioritize this process before the bull sale in order to identify individuals who are unsatisfactory for successfully completing a breeding season-this involves a lot more than simply determining sterility.
First, an overall physical assessment for soundness is made. Then, testicles are measured as a correlative to fertility and maturity and examined for consistency, uniformity and the presence of any abnormalities. We also really want to make sure there are two . . .
Next, the penis is examined for a normal extension, for warts (which are prone to vascular bleeding and interfere with fertility) and for the presence of a persistent frenulum or “tie” which occasionally results when the penis and prepuce did not separate completely. This presents a physical impediment to extension and must be surgically addressed. Finally, a semen sample is examined for motility (movement and activity) and morphology (form, structure and maturity). Since semen production takes about two months, this is really only a “snapshot” in time of the reproductive status of a bull, but it gives us an excellent starting place and opportunity to address any challenges to their career as breeders.
We are very grateful to Dr. Cale Bjornstad for his thorough and objective services – and as a bonus, he’s an awful lot of fun!

Tomorrow, the calendar will read March, which means…. Bull Sale panic/countdown is Full On!

Catalogs should be arriving soon . . .