UT Bull Test Station Going to One Test
Bull Nominations are Due August 1, 2017
SPRING HILL, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture's Bull Test Station will only offer one performance test for the 2017-2018 year. The single, 84-day test will be for bulls born between September 1, 2016, and December 20, 2016. The deadline for nominations is August 1, 2017. Complete rules and regulations for the bull test can be found online at ag.tennessee.edu/AnimalScience/Pages/BullTestProgram.aspx.
The Bull Test Station is located at the Middle Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center at Spring Hill, Tennessee.
The bull test is open to any registered bull of any breed that has a performance record keeping program. Due to the latest technology in genomics, all bulls consigned to the program must be DNA tested. This technology provides a better estimate of the true genetic value of these bulls' performance traits that are economically important in beef operations. The Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) will offer an additional $400 cost share to buyers of bulls with Genomic Enhanced Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs).
Eligible bulls must be delivered to the Middle Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center on August 22, 2017. The 84-day test will begin on September 5, 2017. A bull sale will be held following the completion of the test. The date of the sale will be announced in the future.
The purpose of the Bull Testing Station is to provide a standard, impartial post-weaning gain test that will furnish records that will be useful in breeding programs. The Station also provides a market for completely performance-tested bulls and serves as an educational tool for beef cattle improvement.
Through its mission of research, teaching and extension, the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. ag.tennessee.edu