bull test

BULL TEST

When I first started the idea of selling bulls, I very much wanted to get them into a bull test. I wanted to see the performance measured and compared to other bulls. This was not an option. Pure bred guys fear heterosis, and regular guys realizing there is more hype in the bull business than results.

We did retained ownership and fed our own cattle for about 30 years. Until hedging became the norm. During that time we got carcass data on all our cattle. We also bought commercial and purebred bulls. There was no carcass data difference. Aspen Ridge cattle on bunk.

We are doing our own bull test this year. Once we decide on the 85-120 bulls that will stay bulls, we will individually tag them and get in weights. Every month or ration change we will get a new weight, and this will be shown here. These bulls are not made with a feed truck. This is one of the most dishonest aspects of the bull business. You go to the sale, and there’s big, beautiful bulls. Then you look out back and there is a shiny feed truck. Shiny from running finish ration through it.

Our bulls are fed the same way our backgrounding calves are fed. We fed ground hay and barley with a custom feedlot mineral that contains decoquinate and a proprietary yeast. Our goal is not to make over fleshy animals. Our target gain is 2-3 pounds per head per day. We want our bulls to grow and be healthy, but not be soggy.