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Virginia BCIA Central Bull Test Station Program Details 2005-06
Livestock Update, June 2005
Dr. Scott P. Greiner Extension Animal Scientist, Beef, VA Tech
The Virginia Beef Cattle Improvement Association is set to begin its 48th year developing bulls through the Central Bull Test Stations in Virginia. Rules and regulations for the 2005-06 test and sale season are now available through Virginia BCIA. A total of four test groups of bulls will be developed and sold from the two stations located at Culpeper and in Southwest Virginia.
Since 1997, the Culpeper test has been conducted at Glenmary Farm in Rapidan, VA owned and operated by Tom and Kim Nixon. The Southwest Bull Test Station will be at Hillwinds Farm owned by Tim Sutphin of Dublin, Virginia. At both stations, a set of fall-born Senior bulls, as well as spring-born Junior bulls will be developed. In addition to the traditional tests, the opportunity exists for breeders to custom feed bulls through the BCIA program so that contemporary groups may be maintained. Additionally, provisions to the program allow breeders flexibility in developing both sale-eligible and custom tests bulls. The following table provides details of age requirements, entry deadlines, and the test and sale schedule for each group of bulls.
| CULPEPER SENIOR BULLS | CULPEPER JUNIOR BULLS | |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Dates | August 15 - November 30, 2004 | December 1, 2004 - March 31, 2005 |
| Entry Deadline | June 20, 2005 | October 14, 2005 |
| Delivery of Bulls | July 12, 2005 | November 8, 2005 |
| Start Test | July 25 & 26, 2005 | November 21 & 22, 2005 |
| Finish Test | November 14 & 15, 2005 (112 days) | March 13 & 14, 2006 (112 days) |
| Sale | Saturday, December 10, 2005 | Friday, April 7, 2006 |
| SOUTHWEST SENIOR BULLS | SOUTHWEST JUNIOR BULLS | |
| Birth Dates | October 1 - December 31, 2004 | January 1 - March 31, 2005 |
| Entry Deadline | September 12, 2005 | September 12, 2005 |
| Delivery of Bulls | October 4, 2005 | October 4, 2005 |
| Start Test | October 17 & 18, 2005 | October 17 & 18, 2005 |
| Finish Test | February 6 & 7, 2006 (112 days) | February 27 & 28, 2006 (133 days) |
| Sale | Saturday, March 25, 2006 | Saturday, March 25, 2006 |
Registered bulls of any recognized beef breed, or recorded percentage bulls (half-bloods or greater) of breeds which have an open herd book are eligible for the central tests. All bulls must be recorded in their respective breed association, and have a complete performance record (including EPDs). Bulls must also meet breed-specific minimum YW EPD requirements, individual performance specifications, as well as pre-delivery health and management protocol to be eligible for the tests. Policy changes for the upcoming test year include a required negative test for persistent infection with BVD prior to delivery to the station.
In 2004-05 a total of 417 bulls were developed through the Virginia BCIA Central Bull Test program. The qualifying 255 bulls that sold averaged $2503 across the three sales. Average total cost including all test and sale expenses was $757 per bull sold (feed, vet, entry fees, sale expenses, etc.), for a return of $1749 per bull to the consignor.
Breeders in Virginia and bordering states who are members of Virginia BCIA are eligible to consign bulls. For details and copies of the rules and regulations as well as entry information regarding the 2005-06 central bull tests, contact the Virginia BCIA office at 540-231-9163 or visit http://bcia.apsc.vt.edu.