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A top set of bulls are on test at the Western Illinois University bull test station, and according to John Carlson, manager of the testing program for the WIU School of Agriculture, they have the data to back up the “top” claim. The top bulls will be available at the 45th annual bull test sale, which is set to begin at 7 p.m. Friday, March 10 at the Western Illinois University Livestock Center. Sale catalogs will be available after Feb. 8, Carlson said.
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WIU 45th Annual Bull Test Hits Halfway Mark

January 3, 2017

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MACOMB, IL — A top set of bulls are on test at the Western Illinois University bull test station, and according to John Carlson, manager of the testing program for the WIU School of Agriculture, they have the data to back up the "top" claim.

The top bulls will be available at the 45th annual bull test sale, which is set to begin at 7 p.m. Friday, March 10 at the Western Illinois University Livestock Center. Sale catalogs will be available after Feb. 8, Carlson said.

"Mid-test weights were recently taken and show several bulls out-performing the top bulls from last year's test," he noted.

"The top gaining bull at the test's halfway mark is an Angus bull consigned by David Kuhle of Hazel Green, WI; the bull is gaining an outstanding 5.88 pounds per day and is an offspring of GAR Prophet," he said. "Following closely behind him is another Angus bull, which has gained 5.84 pounds per day. That bull is owned by Phil Ehnle, Eagle River Angus, Princeville, IL, and VAR Generation 2100 is the sire of this bull."

According to Carlson, the Simmental fractional bulls are also doing well.

"An entry from Nathan Link of 4th Meridian Farm, Rio, IL, is gaining 5.68 pounds per day; SVF Steel Force S701 is the sire of this bull. Roger Robinson of Orleans, IN, has the second fastest gaining Simmental fractional bull, posting a growth rate of 5.64 pounds per day," he noted.

Ron Claussen, Bettendorf, IA, has the top Red Angus bull with an average daily gain of 5.16 pounds per day.

The top performing Simmental was consigned by Kevin Washburn of Olney, IL. That bull is gaining 4.73 pounds per day and is sired by EXAR Upshot 0562B, and following closely behind him is an entry from Dayne and Ruby Gittings, DARE Simmentals, of Stronghurst, IL. This bull is the son of STF ZS17 and has an average daily gain of 4.54 pounds per day, Carlson said.

Mark Sturdy of Rochester, IL, has the top two Hereford entries. His top gaining bull is gaining 4.25 pounds per day and is sired by REM-West Dorbay Milan 129A. In addition, his entry sired by AA HRD Speechless 3105 is gaining 4.11 pounds per day.

The top two Charolais bulls on test are from Creasy Charolais of Macomb, IL; the son of CC Red Stag 4028, the first bull, is gaining 4.16 pounds per day, and the other Creasy Charolais entry is gaining 3.91 pounds per day and is sired by TR PZC Mr. Turton 0794ET. Additionally, a Barzona fractional bull, owned by Sam Brandenberg of Monticello, IL, is gaining 4.20 pounds per day.

"The bulls are scheduled to undergo more testing, as they will soon be scanned for ribeye area, ribfat depth and marbling," Carslon explained. "Their final weights will be taken Feb. 7-8. Of the 68 bulls on test, 50 will be selected for the sale. That selection will be based on an index involving growth, ribeye area and marbling. The bulls will also be semen checked and evaluated for soundness," he added.

To request a catalog, or for more information about the test and to follow the progress of the bulls, visit www.wiu.edu/bulltest or contact Carlson at (309) 298-1288 or via email at JP-Carlson@wiu.edu.

Follow the WIU Performance Bull Test on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WIUPerformanceBullTest.

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