Note: This site is for reviewing legacy plan of work data from 2007-2011. If you are looking for the current plan of work interface, visit pow.nmsu.edu.
Impact Report
| For plan | Applied Reproductive Management for Cattle (Quay County) |
| Date | October 27, 2009, 9:58 pm |
| For Objective | Short-term Show short-term objectives |
| Impact Report | This years’ Tucumcari Bull test included 120 performance tested yearling bulls. This has been a 40% increase from the previous year. More than half of the cooperators were new to the program having never before tested at the Tucumcari Science Center. Additionally, cooperators new to the program were unfamiliar to the feeding rations. The test includes a high forage based diet with data taken on an 112 day test for average daily gain, feed efficiency, ultrasound and the 56 marker DNA panel. Included in the panel were markers for feed efficiency, marbling and tenderness. Bulls undergo a complete breeding soundness exam for TB, Trich and PvBVD. Another newly implemented test was for verified Angus bulls Arthagryposis Multiplex Free (AMF). Over a series of bull test reports and newsletter highlights cooperators and producers are able to track record improvements in herd sires within the test. Quay County clientele are able to record and have on hand a printout of performance notes on each tested sire. In addition, research articles, publications, and special article stories highlight selection criteria and evaluation for potential bull purchasers. Informational workshops were also included in traditional program events such as the Tucumcari Ag. & Home Ec. Seminar, Southwest Beef cattleman’s symposium and Joint Stockman’s Convention. Another highlight of the performance test is the Pre – Bull sale event. The program serves as an educational tool to inform participants on the desired criteria of purchasing a herd sire. It also summarizes all information and data collected throughout the 112 day feeding period. This gives potential buyers a chance to meet with cooperators and ask questions on specific breeding, pedigree and performance. Of the over 70 participants of the program 60% stated an increased knowledge of the new gene technology and its usefulness in bull selection. 70% stated they would look for breeding soundness test in their selection similar to or as close to those used in the Tucumcari Bull Test data set. Ninety percent stated an increased in knowledge of sire selection skills. The program and social is attended by local, area, and state cattlemen with 2% attending from other states. |