2025 Summer Test: 84-Day Summary
S25-3
8/20/2025
The 84-day weight showed an improvement in performance since the mid-test weight. As a group, bulls averaged 3.97 lbs per day between day-56 to 84 compared to the 2.97 lbs day from day-28 to 56. The attached report provides detailed individual and group performance. Average daily gain within the Senior division ranged from 2.69 to 5.17 lbs/day and for the Junior division it was 2.07 to 5.86 lbs per day. Why such the boost in performance since the mid-test weight? Well, we didn't increase their feed significantly, especially when some pens had not been slicking bunks by the next day's feeding. A small adjustment to the diet was made to increase caloric intake given the observed reduced feed intake as a result of the hot weather. This was done by reducing the amount of hay and replacing it with whole corn. To simply it, bulls receive an additional 0.3 lbs of corn per head per day starting the first week in August. The most recent TMR analysis (8/14/2025) as reported here, shows no significant changes in the diet were made.
Total Mixed Ration (TMR) Nutrient Analysis Between Diets with Different Forages as the Base Ingredient
| Item | Forage Sorghum | Wheat Silage | 8/14/2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Matter, % | 43.8 | 51.3 | 50.8 |
| Crude Protein, % | 15.4 | 12.8 | 13.5 |
| Fat, % | 3.8 | 3.4 | 3.8 |
| ADF, % | 28.0 | 26.1 | 26.8 |
| NDF, % | 39.0 | 40.3 | 41.2 |
| Starch, % | 22.4 | 20.3 | 19.7 |
| TDN, % | 66.8 | 67.8 | 65.4 |
| NEm, Mcal/lbs | .71 | .72 | 0.72 |
| NEg, Mcal/lbs | .44 | .44 | 0.45 |
Weather data from Feldun's weather stations point out the most likely reason performance increased. Although day time temperatures were hot with a daily heat index of 95.6°F vs 92.85°F between days 56 to 84 vs days 28 to 56, respectively; there was roughly seven more days during the 56 to 84-day weight that daily low temperatures fell a couple degrees below 70°F compared to the 28 to 56-day period. This goes to show how important daily low temperatures are during periods of hot weather.
In addition to the 84-day weight this week, Bonnie Bradford with Premier Ultrasound scanned bulls for REA, IMF and backfat. This data will be submitted to the lab yet this week with results showing up at the respective breed associations within the next week or two.
As for bull health: A handful of bulls developed hoof cracks which required pairing out the crack and all appear to be recovered currently. Two bulls have been treated in recent days for pinkeye and thankfully both were in in the early stages (small spot center of eye along with watery eye) upon treatment. The most significant health challenge we dealt with during this last period was having two bulls developed hives (Urticaria – Merck Veterinary Manual) the week prior to the 84-day weight. The most severe case is depicted in picture A below. Bulls were in two separate pens from two different owners. Picture B is of the same bull the following morning after receiving a single dose of an injectable antihistamine. Granted the pictures are from the bull on two different sides, the bull had the spots depicted on both sides, down his top line and throughout his rear quarter.
Photo A
Photo B
Other than the swelling, neither bull displayed any additional symptoms and it does not appear that it impacted their performance.
With being in the homestretch of the 2025 Summer Test, please take a minute to review the attached calendar of upcoming work days in September. Additional help during this time is appreciated, plus it's a great opportunity to evaluate how bulls have developed over the course of the test.
IBEP