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Click here for the 2013 Catalogs and Data
The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association bull and heifer evaluation program serves the needs of both the cattle seedstock producers and the Iowa commercial industry. Each year approximately 100 progressive breeders enter more than 400 bulls and 100 heifers into three tests for comparison and bench marking. These superior genetics are then offered to the commercial industry at 3 sales across the state of Iowa.
ICA Test Stations:
Bulls and heifers may be inspected at the ICA Test Stations throughout the test. All spring-born bulls & open heifers are being fed at Van Meter Feedyard, Guthrie Center, IA. The fall-born bulls are being fed at Kirkwood Community College, Cedar Rapids, IA.
Bull Selection Criteria:
Bulls must meet strict selection criteria to be eligible for an ICA sale and be worthy of the ICA ‘Symbol of Excellence’. First, bulls must meet four performance standards:
1. Min. ADG ratio of 90.
2. Min. 1,100 pound adjusted yearling weight.
3. Min. 11.5 in2 ultrasound ribeye area measurement.
4. Min. 32-cm scrotal circumference measurement.
But this is only the beginning. Bulls must pass a breeding soundness exam and are evaluated by a selection committee. Individuals serving on the selection committee do not know the owners of the bulls. They take a very critical look at bulls for structural problems as well as any bulls with poor dispositions. After a bull has met all of the selection criteria, he is catalogued for the ICA "Symbol of Excellence" sale and presented for the customer's evaluation. Only the top three-quarters of bulls (within their respective breeds) receive this honor.
Heifer Selection Criteria:
Heifers enrolled in the ICA test are calfhood vaccinated, have had a full reproductive exam, maximum frame score of 8.0, minimum adjusted yearling weight of 730 pounds. Many heifers carry some impressive pedigree line and will be offered with registration papers. |