Top bulls featured at OBI test sale March 29

The sale will begin at 11 a.m. at the OBI test station, located eight miles west of Stillwater on Highway 51. Multiple breeds will be auctioned at the sale, including an estimated 263 head of Angus, 18 Hereford, 11 Simmental, seven Maines and four Salers.

“Over a period of years, a high percentage of the genetics within a beef herd is directly related to the decisions made in purchasing herd sires,” said Bob Kropp, OBI executive secretary and professor of animal science. “Use of performance-tested bulls that are outstanding in their breed groups can translate into managing more profitable herds in the years ahead.”

Each bull sold through OBI undergoes a breeding soundness examination and is tested for brucellosis and tuberculosis or is from a certified-free herd. All bulls must index in the top 70 percent of their test group.

“OBI has been having bull sales since 1973,” said Tim Stidham, OBI Test Station director. “With 30-plus years of feeding bulls, the dependability of the performance records is unmatched. OBI customers depend on the reliability of these bulls.”

Bulls to be sold will be available for preview beginning noon Wednesday, March 28, at the test station.

Performance test results for bulls include: average daily gain; weight per day of age; adjusted 365-day weight; scrotal circumference; ultrasonic data for rib eye area, fat thickness and marbling; hip height; computation of performance ratios; and Expected Progeny Differences as provided by breed associations.

All OBI bulls are tested according to procedures recommended by the Beef Improvement Federation. Each bull developed at OBI is housed and fed in its respective breed barn. One ration is fed to all bulls throughout the 112-day test. Bulls of some breeds are fed using self feeders; other breeds are fed using fence-line bunks.

Anyone seeking additional information about the March 29 OBI All-Breed Performance Tested Bull Sale should contact Stidham at 405-624-1181.

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Donald Stotts
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Phone: 405-744-4079
Fax: 405-744-5739
E-Mail: donald.stotts@okstate.edu

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