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Entries Now Being Accepted for 45th Annual WIU Bull Test Program

June 30, 2016

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MACOMB, IL — Entries are now being accepted for the 45th Annual Western Illinois University School of Agriculture's Bull Test Program. According to the School of Ag's Ken Nimrick, entries for the 112-day test are open to any breed and are due by Wednesday, Aug. 31; however, bulls must be weaned and started on a preconditioning program no later than Sunday, Aug.14.

The WIU Bull Test Program evaluates performance of bulls in a common environment and provides information on scrotal circumference, pelvic area, ribeye area, fat depth and marbling.

"The bulls are also indexed, so the breeder gets a rather substantial amount of information in a situation that provides an unbiased comparison. Our hope is that breeders, old and new, will find the test to be an invaluable part of their performance and marketing programs. In addition to the testing program, bulls will have ultrasonic data gathered to be included in their breed's EPD program," Nimrick explained.

At the conclusion of the test to offer proven genetics to the industry, the top bulls are sold at the annual WIU Performance Tested Bull Sale in the spring. In 2017, the sale is set to start at 7 p.m. Friday, March 10 at the WIU Livestock Center.

"As we enter a new phase of the cattle cycle, it is imperative that today's cattle producer be extremely conscious of the bottom line. Proven performance bulls that have been properly developed and evaluated for soundness and health can make that bottom line appear a lot brighter," Nimrick noted. "The WIU sale has a record of more than 70 percent repeat buyers, attesting to the success cattle producers are having with bulls coming through this reputed program."

For more information about entering bulls, contact Nimrick at (309) 337-4352 or via email at KO-Nimrick@wiu.edu.

Entry forms for the 2016-17 test, along with information on last year's program, can also be obtained at www.wiu.edu/cbt/agriculture/bull_test/.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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