Applied Reproductive Management for Cattle (Quay County)

The 2010-11 Tucumcari Bull Test consisted of 85 performance tested bulls from thirteen cooperators. The 112 day test recorded average daily gain (ADG), weight day of age (WDA), feed efficiency, ribeye circumference, and a complete breeding soundness exam.
This reporting agent served a supporting role to specialist in efforts of education, advertisement of event, and testing of bulls. Other duties included veterinary assistance, record keeping, coordinating of pre bull program and sale day event.

The 2009-10 Tucumcari Bull Test continued its long tradition in testing bulls in several aspects of performance and inheritance traits. The test completed its 49th annual run with 115 head of sires from seventeen different seed stock cooperators representing over five breeds of cattle. The New Mexico Beef Cattle Performance Association (NMBCPA) has been in the forefront of becoming the region’s leading seed stock organization focused on addressing the genetic and marketing needs of commercial cattle producers. 2008 Agricultural Census Quay county ranked 8th in the state with cattle and calves just over 43,000 head of beef cattle. (NM 2008 USDA-NASS statistics) Average size of farm/ranch is 2,342 acres with a net income of $16,120.00.
With these statistics local producers are needing to stretching their every dollar spent on improved genetics. Additionally, purchase of a bull that will improve herd performance will pay back to the producer many times over. With the right management tools and knowledge buyers at the Tucumcari Bull test can rank criteria on what traits are most important to their herd. An example of these genetic traits include average daily gain, frame score, initial weight, weight per day of gain, ribeye circumference, and many more breed criteria.
The 2009-10 Bull Test Sale was kicked off with a Pre-Sale: Buyers Bull Session, Social, and Supper focusing on educating prospective buyers on the test, feed regime, GenStar DNA marker Technology and data interpretation. The event also highlighted the high performance breeders as well as the newly established New Mexico Gold calf marketing program. The event hosted by the NMBCPA was attended by 67 local and area producers, seed stock and commercial beef producers.

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.

Programming and partnership development with NM Beef Cattle Performance Association for the 07-08 year reached beyond the Tucumcari Bull Performance Test. Items that increased cooperators knowledge include the Bovigen gene marker for tenderness, ribeye ultrasound, bovine trichonomiasis, feed and nutrition science. All participants agreed that these extra management practices caused positive results on there marketing of their respective bull breeds. In addition, the area outbreak of Bovine trichomoniasis caused substantial damage to beef herds in the Quay valley and surrounding herds. After an educational program sponsored by NMSU Extension 80% of participants stated that they had a better understanding of Bovine Trich and how they would go about preventing and treating their herds.

Tomas Dominguez has signed on to support Applied Reproductive Management for Cattle within Quay County.