UW holds third annual bull test and sale in Wyoming Livestock Roundup.

The Third Annual High Altitude Bull Test and Sale, organized by the University of Wyoming (UW) College of Agriculture, Life Sciences, and Natural Resources (CALSNR), took place on March 21 at the Cliff and Martha Hansen Teaching Arena in Laramie. The event commenced at 9 a.m. with a bull preview, followed by an informative session on pre-breeding nutrition in cows and the outlook of the beef market. The sale began at 1 p.m. post-lunch.

This initiative was established by Dr. Scott Lake, Director of the Laramie Research and Extension Center (LREC), along with Dr. Shelby Rosasco (UW Extension Beef Specialist) and Dr. Hannah Cunningham-Hollinger (UW CALSNR Animal Science Assistant Professor) to address the issues faced by Wyoming cattle producers operating at high altitudes. The main aim was to evaluate potential sire performance at high altitudes and involve stakeholders in research and education on brisket disease.

Rosasco emphasized the program’s secondary goal of providing hands-on learning opportunities to UW students in bull development and marketing to equip them for careers in the livestock industry. The program also seeks to assist regional producers in assessing sire suitability for high altitudes, provide students with unique experiences, deliver performance-tested bulls, and serve Wyoming’s beef cattle industry.

During the test, 66 bulls from 11 different consignors underwent a 45-day screening to assess performance and risk of pulmonary hypertension. Bulls with elevated pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) scores were eliminated, while others proceeded to a 70-day feed efficiency test evaluating various parameters such as feed intake, average daily gain, and feed conversion ratios.

Throughout the test, the animals’ performance was monitored through biweekly weigh-ins, health checks conducted twice daily by students, ultrasound measurements, breeding soundness exams, and a final PAP test. The data collected on each bull provides valuable insights for consignors and producers to make informed management and sire selection decisions.

Following the screening and performance trials, 30 bulls from eight consignors were presented at the 2025 sale, fetching an average price of $4,375 per head. The top-selling bull, Frank Right Time 470 from Horse Creek Angus, was sold for $7,250. Rosasco expressed gratitude to all consignors and buyers for supporting the High Altitude Bull Test and Sale, highlighting the program’s growth and success with their ongoing support.