Bringing them home
The goal here at the Tucumcari Bull Test is to provide breeders an opportunity to gain invaluable information, gauging the progress of their genetics. One tool that has proven beneficial is the data collected here at the bull test. In its 65 years of operation, we have improved gain, growth and efficiency by 25%. Progress in nutritional management has also improved. In the beginning, bulls were fed diets equivalent to high grain feedlot diets. Over time, more forage has been introduced into the diets to meet gain objectives while allowing for a smoother transition to a full forage diet. We continue to make this transition to forage while the bulls are still in our care. During the last three weeks, bulls have been on a full hay diet. This allows for the rumen microbes to adjust and be ready for grazing. When bringing them home, the process begins before the bull ever steps off the trailer. Preparation of facilities and management plans is essential. Pens, traps, and pastures should be secure, free of hazards, and designed to minimize stress. Water sources should be clean and easily accessible, and feed bunks or hay rings placed to encourage calm, natural movement. Stress of transport, commingling with new cattle, and exposure to unfamiliar surroundings can impact health and body condition. Observing animals closely during the
first 24 hours provides valuable insight—who is alert, who is timid, who may be stiff or reluctant to move. These early observations often reveal issues that are easier to address when caught promptly. Allowing them a few days to settle before introduction to new pastures is recommended. Once turned out, they will likely spend several days learning the new fence boundaries and chasing cows in heat; which can contribute to weight loss in those early weeks. Caring for new young bulls is both a responsibility and an opportunity, as it is a critical period for protecting your investment. These animals represent years of genetic progress, financial commitment, and expectation, and how they are managed in the first weeks and months after purchase or development can shape their long-term soundness, fertility, and longevity. Thoughtful, consistent care during this transition period sets the foundation for a bull that will remain productive, healthy, and safe to handle throughout his working life. At the Tucumcari Bull Test, we strive to set your investment up for long-term success. If you have any concerns regarding the health of bulls purchased through the Tucumcari Bull Sale, we encourage you to contact the test director so she can be made aware of the situation and provide assistance as needed.
Top Ranking Report for Day 86 of the 120 day test!
This report provides the raw performance bulls that are performing in the top 10% of their breed contemporary group at the 86-day mark. In the report, bulls are ranked based on average daily gain (ADG) and weight per day of age (WDA) within breed. Not all bulls have intake data at this time, so efficiency was not included. The supplemental
sheet will provide all the data (including carcass, frame, and scrotal) from the sale bulls for the 120 day test. The supplemental will be available at the sale and on the tucbulltest.nmsu.edu website, and through the DVAuction website.
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March 14, 2026
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