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About Us
County Impact Statements - Sharp County
Education...Performance Testing Bulls Important for Buyers and
Sellers
Important traits such as pre and post weaning growth are inherited to varying
degrees. Therefore, systematic measuring and selecting for those traits
increases the rate of genetic improvement. The measured performance of each bull
is the result of its heredity and environment.
Genetically superior bulls can be easily identified through the on-the-farm
testing program. This program is designed to identify high ranking bulls within
a herd, and is a key step to identifying superior bulls within a breed.
Data collected by Extension personnel included:
- initial weight (beginning of test)
- weights taken every 28 days
- final weights off test
- 365 day hip height
- scrotal circumference in centimeters (off test)
- number of animals in contemporary group
15 bulls performance tested through Extension on farm feed out
test
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Impacts
- In FY2001 Sharp County farmers raised almost 12,000 calves for market.
- 220 farmers attended 3 beef/forage clinics and learned about
vaccinations for cows and bulls. Farmers were given information on poisonous
plants and their effect on cattle. Farmers received information on stock
piling fescue and how it can cut winter hay feeding to 3 weeks or less.
- Six demonstrations conducted on controlling brush, bitterweed, annual
and perennial weeds in bermuda grass.
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