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2016 Live Oak BBA Bull Gain Test

by Joe Mask | Published November 16, 2015

Mission: The mission of the LOBBA bull gain test is to provide satellite members with the opportunity to prove their genetics through an objective test which provides meaningful comparative information to both the breeder and potential customers.

Location: The LOBBA bull gain test will be held at Tom Brothers Ranch located near Campbellton, Texas.

Terms of Services: Tom Brothers Ranch is an independent entity from that of LOBBA and is providing a service on behalf and for the members of LOBBA and retains the right to refuse service to anyone, at any time, for any reason.  Tom Brothers Ranch and the Live Oak Beefmaster Breeders Association are not affiliated in any way and are not liable for the actions of the other party.

Payment and Fees: All costs and fees related to the actual feeding and care of the bulls on test will be determined by Tom Brothers Ranch.  All billing and payments will be made by and to Tom Brothers Ranch.  Tom Brothers Ranch will provide a schedule of estimated feed costs and charges at or prior to delivery.

Bull Age Requirements: Bulls to be entered in the 2016 LOBBA gain test must be born between September 1, 2014 and April 30, 2015.  All bulls born September 1 through December 31, 2014 will be separated into one contemporary group and tested as such.  All bulls born January 1 through April 30, 2015 will be separated into one contemporary group and tested as such.

Health and Preconditioning Requirements: Bulls entering test must have been weaned for 45 days, have received 2 vaccinations for Bovine Respiratory Disease, at least 2 weeks apart, received 2 rounds of a 7 or 8 way clostridial vaccine(blackleg), 1 round of mannheimia haemolytica (pasteurella) bacterin, and been recently dewormed in the previous 30 days.  All bulls must have a permanent ID and matching ear tag at the time of arrival.  This must be the same ID that is listed on the certificate of registration from BBU.  It is preferred that animals are fire branded with both holding brand and ID numbers.  Any tattoos must be legible.

Arrival Documentation Requirements: All bulls arriving to Tom Brothers Ranch must be registered Beefmaster cattle and have an official date of birth, sire, and dam.  It is preferred that all bulls are registered prior to arrival and a copy of the registration certificate is provided.  If a bull has not received an official certificate of registration at time of entry, the owner must provide Tom Brother Ranch with an official permanent ID and date of birth.  Original certificate copies must be submitted to Tom Brothers Ranch prior to ultrasound scan day so that the data can be submitted to BBU.

2016 Test Itinerary: Bulls to be entered into the 2016 test may begin arriving at Tom Brothers Ranch on January 1, 2016 and must be delivered no later than January 20, 2016.

The bulls will be officially weighed in on approximately February 1, 2016 and remain on the spring 112 day gain test until May 23rd in which they will be weighed “off” test.  At that time, a spring test average daily gain and ratio will be calculated.  During the spring test, bulls will be fed a higher protein and roughage ration with a lower energy content.

After the completion of the spring 112 day gain test on or around May 23, 2016, bulls will remain on a carrying or “cool-down” ration for approximately 60 days.  At this time, owners are suggested to view their bulls and make any culling decisions they deem appropriate.  Owners are also allowed to remove their bulls from the gain test at this time and not proceed with the fall gain test.  They will be provided the spring gain test information.

On or around August 1, 2016, bulls will be weighed “on” to the fall gain test.  During the fall test, bulls will be fed a higher energy ration for approximately 110 days, or until mid-November.  At that time, bulls will be weighed “off” test and a fall test average daily gain and ratio will be calculated.

Once the fall test is complete, bulls may remain at Toms Brothers Ranch where they will be fed and fitted for the 2017 LOBBA bull sale if the owner so chooses.  The owner may choose to pick up all or a portion of their bulls at this time or have Tom Brothers Ranch staff sell them at the local livestock auction in the owners’ name if the animal is deemed a cull.

Ultrasound Scanning and Scrotal Measures: At the appropriate time deemed so by the Tom Brothers Ranch Staff, all bulls will be ultrasound scanned for carcass merit and scrotal circumference measures will be taken.  All data measures will fall within the BBU window for official scan records to be taken.  All scan data will go to BBU via the national CUP lab as submitted by the certified scan technician.  Any owner whom has scanned their bulls prior to arrival will have the option to not have their bulls re-scanned and not be charged a scan fee.

Test Data and Comparative Rank: In order to facilitate the mission and goals of participation in this LOBBA gain test, Tom Brothers Ranch will calculate and provide the following information to the owners of tested bulls: Beginning Weight per Day of Age and group ratio, spring test Average Daily Gain and group ratio, fall test Average Daily Gain and group ratio, Ending Weight per Day of Age and group ratio.  Additionally, Tom Brothers Ranch will ensure that ultrasound and scrotal data records are submitted to BBU for official record by the ending of the spring gain test.  If an owner fails to provide Tom Brothers Ranch staff with the necessary registration numbers or other information needed to submit any of the above mentioned data, then Tom Brothers Ranch maintains no liability or responsibility to resubmit data through the appropriate channels.

Benefits of LOBBA Gain Test Participation: Any bulls that have undergone testing at the 2016 LOBBA gain test held at Tom Brothers Ranch and are sold through the annual LOBBA bull sale in January 2017 will receive a special denotation in the form of an icon in the 2017 LOBBA bull sale catalog.  This icon or denotation will only be given to tested bulls that agree to provide the official test information and results in the catalog.  This denotation is strictly voluntary.

Consignment to the LOBBA bull sale: Participation in the LOBBA gain test does not guarantee the owner or tested bull any place or places in the LOBBA bull sale.  Independent consignment MUST be made with sale management at the appropriate time.  All sale guidelines and consignment fees must be met as determined by sale management.

Pen space is limited. Bulls must be in groups of 30. Please advise Ellen Tom by email at ellen@tombrothersranch.com as soon as possible.

There will a $25.00 per bull handling fee, payable to LOBBA.

Click Here for the Bull entries form. Please return via email rcsiddons@gmail.com or fax to 512-481-1983.

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