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Bulls test all-forage diet
Forage tested bulls are uncommon in Virginia as our traditional bull rearing methods use concentrates mixed with a cereal grain silage as the primary diet, growing out groups of young beef bulls in just over 100 days. Very few bulls are reared with just forages because it takes three to four times longer and most beef cattle today have been selected for growth on grain.
So, why would a bunch of farmers decide to bite off this time-consuming challenge and attempt to grow out young beef bulls without grain? Maybe they are on to something. Last May, when the Lakota Bull Test (LBT) started, the need for efficient, low input beef cattle was not as important as it is today. We know the cost of farming is up over last year and grain cost is no exception.
Readers will agree that across the country grass finished producers are developing a niche market for their beef. This product has risen in national awareness to the point that large corporations are starting to take notice. Just the other night my wife saw a car commercial that drew a parallel between grass finished beef and the unique qualities of a car. While cars and beef are miles apart, maybe their special features appeal to the same consumer.
We know that grass finished beef is not for everyone, but it does have an appeal to a segment of the population that seems to be growing. In the past, special steak houses only featured prime and choice grain fed beef (which is really delicious), but today grass finished beef is being featured at some of these establishments in the Northeast.
We also know that some specialty grocery stores offer this product in response to customer preference. There are a variety of reasons for this preference, among other things there is research that connects grass fed beef with benefits to human health brought on by higher levels of omega-3 fatty acid and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). But, for maximum health benefit from these good “fats”, plan to eat a meal that contains wild salmon.
The Lakota Bull Test was started in June 2007 at Lakota Ranch located up the Rappahannock River from Remington in Culpeper County. It is the site of the only forage bull test I know of in Virginia and possibly is the only one of its kind in the country. I understand the Edisto test at Clemson runs a forage test but includes some grain in their ration. There are reasons why most bulls are grown out using grain – primarily the difference in the cost of time.
While the LBT is formally described as a gain evaluation, test manager and farm owner Jeremy Engh is quick to point out that cattle gains are only part of the test with fertility, longevity, carcass quality and merit, disposition, and overall function playing key roles in bull evaluation.
Moderation is a theme for cattle breeders who work to keep traits in their cattle while making incremental changes. The two existing LBT groups started at Lakota Ranch with fall 2006 calves in June 2007 and Spring 2007 calves in July 2007. They will complete their respective tests at the end of October 08 and will sell at the farm, December 6, 2008.
Last year we had a tough growing season. Lakota was no exception with the drought beginning in May and lasting well into fall with rain at the farm short by 27 inches. But, thanks to high soil fertility and some timely rains scattered across the summer, the bulls grazed during most of the year, with hay filling in the gaps on a limited basis. Fall stockpiled fescue offered a resource to help the test move into spring with an improving gain curve.
In the fall 2006 contemporary group, Pokeberry Farms Tarentaise Bulls lead the way with gains averaging 1.6 lbs a day closely followed by Slusher Valley Farms at 1.5 lbs a day. Fox Run Farms Angus and Lakota Ranch’s Devons tied for third with gains averaging 1.2 lbs a day. In the 2007 Spring Contemporary group, Fox Run Farm’s Angus lead with gains averaging 1.5 lbs per day. In a tie for second with gains of 1.4 lbs a day are Plainfield farms Hereford’s and Lakota Ranch’s Devons. All animals on test are performing well with the fall 2006 contemporary group averaging 1.1 lbs a day gain and the 2007 Spring Contemporary group averaging 1.3 lbs a day. Prospective buyers are visiting the bulls weekly to see what this test is all about.
As I conclude, let me mention the American Devon Cattle Association’s National show and sale known as, “The Great Event” which is being held in conjunction with the LBT field day during the third full week in October. Plan to attend the LBT field day (October 24) and look in on the Devon association auction October 25, 2008. Go to www.americandevon.com for more information on the Devon show and sale and go to www.lakotareddevons.com for more information on the LBT.
By the time you read this article a new set of bulls will have started the test for 2009. Look for their performance and that of the existing bull test groups at the site referenced above or, search for Lakota Bull Test on your computer.
For more information contact Carl Stafford at ccstaffo@vt.edu or Jeremy Engh at: enghs@aol.com or to find out more about Extension search for Virginia Extension.
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