The University of Wyoming has initiated the enrollment process for its third annual High Altitude Bull Test and Sale. This program is designed to provide bull producers with a platform to gather data on individual bull performance while also offering a marketplace for bulls that have undergone pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) testing. The tests are conducted at the Laramie Research and Extension Center (LREC), situated at an elevation of 7,200 feet, where bulls are assessed for their susceptibility to pulmonary hypertension through PAP tests.
Chase Markel, the graduate student manager of the bull test, emphasizes the importance of monitoring the PAP figure in cattle at high elevations, stating that this measurement can only be accurately obtained by exposing them to such altitudes. In addition to PAP testing, bulls undergo various evaluations including breeding soundness exams, carcass ultrasounds, and feed efficiency tests such as feed to gain, residual feed intake, and average daily gain. The test is open to any breed of bull, whether registered or commercial, yearlings, or two-year-old, with each producer allowed to consign up to 10 bulls.
Producers interested in consigning bulls to the High Altitude Bull Test and Sale must complete the registration process by a specified deadline, with bulls to be delivered to LREC on designated dates. Entry fees for each bull are required upon arrival, and additional expenses for feed, testing, and yardage are to be settled by the end of the test period. The initial 45 days of the test serve as a screening phase to determine the bulls’ adaptability to high altitudes, with only those demonstrating suitability continuing to the subsequent assessments, including feed efficiency tests.
The bulls that qualify and remain in the test will be presented for sale at the 2024-25 High Altitude Bull Sale and field day, scheduled to take place at LREC. This event is open to the public, offering interested parties the opportunity to participate in online and phone bidding. Beyond the commercial aspect, the High Altitude Bull Test and Sale program provides students with practical experience in bull production. The University of Wyoming offers classes on bull development and marketing, allowing students to gain hands-on knowledge in areas such as bull growth, nutrition, reproduction, and genetics.
For those seeking further details on the High Altitude Bull Test and Sale program, additional information can be found on the university’s website or by contacting Shelby Rosasco, the UW Extension beef specialist and program co-organizer. The University of Wyoming’s Extension program has a rich history of serving Wyoming communities by applying research and resources to address practical challenges. From educational initiatives like 4-H programs to pesticide safety education and nutrition courses, UW Extension is committed to providing learning opportunities for all ages and supporting various aspects of community well-being and development.
Key Takeaways:
– The High Altitude Bull Test and Sale at the University of Wyoming provides bull producers with a platform to evaluate individual bull performance and market bulls that have undergone pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) testing.
– The program includes a comprehensive assessment process involving PAP testing, breeding soundness exams, carcass ultrasounds, and various feed efficiency tests.
– Beyond commercial benefits, the program offers students practical experience in bull production through classes on bull development and marketing.
– The University of Wyoming’s Extension program plays a crucial role in serving Wyoming communities by offering educational programs and resources to address practical challenges and promote individual and community well-being.
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