Progress 09/01/24 to 08/31/25
Outputs
Target Audience:Thanks to the USDA-NIFA Capacity Building Grants for NLGCA, the Beef Evaluation Center (Bull Test Station) at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, was upgraded with the installation of 12 units of SmartFeed (C-Lock Inc., Rapid City, SD) automated feed intake monitoring system. The funding allowed the bull test station to restart its program after a five-year hiatus. The system enabled automated monitoring of feed intake, feeding behavior, and detection of subclinical digestive disturbances for the 21 bulls enrolled in the bull test during the 2025-2025 season. The bull test was highly successful, attracting nearly 100 beef producers, and all 19 bulls entered for auction were sold, with the remaining two bulls not made available for sale by the owners. The audience reached during the reporting period includes: Beef producers The bull consigners (n = 9) had the chance to evaluate the genetic potential of their bulls for growth and reproduction, and to compare the bulls within a contemporary group at the SIU bull test station. Accurate assessment of the bulls' productive and reproductive performance helped facilitate the sale by providing performance data that meets the individual breeding goals of the beef producers participating in the auction. Nearly 100 beef producers from Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky participated in the bull auction that wrapped up the 2024-2025 bull test. All 19 bulls entered for sale were sold, generating a total of $76,250, with an average of $4,765 per bull. Feedback from participants clearly indicated that more consigners and beef producers are expected to take part in the upcoming bull tests. The SIU bull test offered an excellent platform for beef producers in Illinois and nearby areas to evaluate the bulls' genetics, production performance, and carcass traits to make informed purchase decisions for herd improvement. Student population of SIU Graduate students: The graduate student (n = 1) involved in the bull test joined SIU in August 2024 and oversaw the bull test while working with undergraduate students for its overall conduct. The graduate student evaluated bulls' residual feed intake (RFI) and correlated it with sperm quality and breeding soundness evaluation (BSE). The student is collaborating with the buyers to continue collecting data, including the bulls' breeding performance during the breeding season, post-breeding recovery, and the potential interaction between RFI and bulls' age. Undergraduate students (n = 4) who participated in the bull test played an essential role in its success. The students were offered a partially paid (hourly wage) position, working directly with the graduate student and the farm manager. They performed various daily tasks, such as feeding the bulls, recording their intake, monitoring health, cleaning barns, checking bulls on delivery dates, and assisting with weighing. The students also had opportunities to communicate with designers and media for coverage and publicity. These experiences helped them develop skills in animal husbandry, customer relations, and communication. SIU faculty and farm: The SIU animal science faculty sees great potential in utilizing the bull test station to advance research. The faculty team, in collaboration with colleagues from South Dakota State University and Mississippi State University, has already submitted a funding proposal to USDA-NIFA. The facility will definitely support the efforts of SIU faculty to further research on beef cattle nutrition and reproduction. The bull test required considerable involvement from SIU farm employees and staff members. Discussions about the bull test and research plans were held with the SIU farms director, beef center manager, and other SIU farm employees. The farms prepared a total mixed ration (TMR) for the bulls throughout the entire testing period, with activities coordinated by farm personnel along with undergraduate and graduate students participating in the test. Changes/Problems:No major changes were required for the research What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? The graduate student (n = 1) involved in the bull test joined SIU in August 2024 and oversaw the bull test while working with undergraduate students for its overall conduct. The graduate student evaluated bulls' residual feed intake (RFI) and correlated it with sperm quality and breeding soundness evaluation (BSE). The student is collaborating with the buyers to continue collecting data, including the bulls' breeding performance during the breeding season, post-breeding recovery, and the potential interaction between RFI and bulls' age. Undergraduate students (n = 4) who participated in the bull test played an essential role in its success. The students were offered a partially paid (hourly wage) position, working directly with the graduate student and the farm manager. They performed various daily tasks, such as feeding the bulls, recording their intake, monitoring health, cleaning barns, checking bulls on delivery dates, and assisting with weighing. The students also had opportunities to communicate with designers and media for coverage and publicity. These experiences helped them develop skills in animal husbandry, customer relations, and communication. SIU faculty and farm:The SIU faculty team, in collaboration with colleagues from South Dakota State University and Mississippi State University, has already submitted a funding proposal to USDA-NIFA. The facility will definitely support the efforts of SIU faculty to further research on beef cattle nutrition and reproduction. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?An abstract was submitted to ASAS CSAS Annual Meeting 2025 titled "Evaluating the impact of residual feed intake on feeding behavior, growth performance, breeding soundness and carcass traits of beef bulls." for poster presentation. The 2024SIU Bull Test was covered extensively by the media. 1). News article in Southern Illinoisian (https://thesouthern.com/news/sius-bull-test-station-prepares-for-first-run-since-pandemic/article_9cf43360-ee10-51da-976d-514feafec440.html) 2) News article in Daily Egyptian (https://dailyegyptian.com/119317/showcase/annual-bull-test-begins-after-five-year-hiatus/#:~:text=The%20bull%20test%20was%20restarted,the%20bull%20test%20after%20COVID.) 3) Media coverage by kfvs12.com (https://www.kfvs12.com/video/2024/11/08/siuc-bull-performance-test-sale/) At the completion of the bull test and associated research, the results will be shared with the producers through articles in producer magazines, during producer conferences, and through publications in peer-reviewed journals. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?By the next reporting period (September 2025-August 2026), the 43rd and 44th bull tests will be completed, with the student gathering data from collaborating farms during both the test and post-test periods to assess the bulls' performance throughout the breeding season and post-test recovery. By the final reporting period (August 2026), all data collection will be finished, with the student completing their degree requirements, presenting the findings at scientific conferences, and publishing the research results in peer-reviewed journals and other reputable outlets.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Successful conduct of the first SIU bull test in five years The bull test was highly successful, attracting nearly 100 beef producers, and all 19 bulls entered for auction were sold. The sale generated a total of $76,250, with an average of $4,765 per bull. The feedback from participants clearly indicated that more consigners and beef producers are expected to take part in the upcoming bull tests. Purchase and installation of 12 units of SmartFeed units from C-Lock Inc., Rapid City, SD Installing the 12 SmartFeed units required the removal of the existing non-functional and outdated Calan Gates and the supporting structures at SIU's Beef Evaluation Center. In June 2024, The SIU Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, College of Agricultural, Life, and Physical Sciences, and School of Agricultural Sciences funded $49,000 to remove the existing structures and install the SmartFeed System. The Physical Plant (Facilities and Energy Management (FEM) of SIU was contacted, and they completed the work by September 2024 for the commencement of the bull test. 3) Graduate student The graduate student (n = 1) involved in the bull test joined SIU in August 2024 and oversaw the bull test while working with undergraduate students for its overall conduct. The graduate student evaluated bulls' residual feed intake (RFI) and correlated it with sperm quality and breeding soundness evaluation (BSE). The student is collaborating with the buyers to continue collecting data, including the bulls' breeding performance during the breeding season, post-breeding recovery, and the potential interaction between RFI and bulls' age. Undergraduate students (n = 4) who participated in the bull test played an essential role in its success. The students were offered a partially paid (hourly wage) position, working directly with the graduate student and the farm manager. They performed various daily tasks, such as feeding the bulls, recording their intake, monitoring health, cleaning barns, checking bulls on delivery dates, and assisting with weighing. The students also had opportunities to communicate with designers and media for coverage and publicity. These experiences helped them develop skills in animal husbandry, customer relations, and communication. SIU faculty and farm:The SIU faculty team, in collaboration with colleagues from South Dakota State University and Mississippi State University, has already submitted a funding proposal to USDA-NIFA. The facility will definitely support the efforts of SIU faculty to further research on beef cattle nutrition and reproduction. The bull test required considerable involvement from SIU farm employees and staff members. Discussions about the bull test and research plans were held with the SIU farms director, beef center manager, and other SIU farm employees. The farms prepared a total mixed ration (TMR) for the bulls throughout the entire testing period, with activities coordinated by farm personnel along with undergraduate and graduate students participating in the test.
Publications
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Progress 09/01/23 to 08/31/24
Outputs
Target Audience:The research aimsto install an automated feed delivery and monitoring system (SmartFeed) at SIU to modernize and utilize the Beef Evaluation Center (Bull Test Station) as a hybrid research and service center. Target Audience reached during the reporting period: Purchase of SmartFeed System SmartFeed System was manufactured by C-Lock Inc.(Rapid City, SD). As per the project, the purchase of 12 SmartFeed systems ($71,683.32), two cellular modems for data transmission and configuration ($1,380), two AT&T data line subscriptions for data transfer ($1,656), 12 AC-DC power converters ($3,456), three years of service contract including data access, hardware and software support and maintenance ($20,660.20) were completed by March-April 2024 for a total of $103,305.54 which also included $4,770 shipping and handling. Installation of SmartFeed System The existing non-functional and outdated feeding system, including Calan gates and supporting structures at SIU's Beef Evaluation Center, must be removed before installing the SmartFeed system. In June 2024, The SIU Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, College of Agricultural, Life, and Physical Sciences, and School of Agricultural Sciences funded $49,000 to remove the existing structures and install the SmartFeed System. The Physical Plant (Facilities and Energy Management (FEM) of SIU was contacted, and they have undertaken the required work to be completed by September 2024 before the commencement of the bull test. Commencement of Bull Test The SIUC annual bull test and sales have served the seedstock and commercial beef producers in south-central Illinois for over four decades by providing a venue for beef producers to evaluate and showcase genetics, educate producers and students, and purchase performance-tested bulls for herd improvement. The last bull test was convened during 2018-2019; thus, restarting the bull test after a gap of 5 years is challenging. However, with the support of the present USDA funding, the facility will be modernized, significantly supporting the efforts of attracting more bull consigners for the bull test. During May-July 2024, more than 30 previous bull consigners were contacted and informed of the modernization process and the plans to restart the bull test. All the consigners welcomed the plan to restart the bull test as more venues for the sale of bulls were welcomed. During August, the consigners will be updated on the progress in installation of the SmartFeed Systems, and the number of bulls expected to participate in the bull test will be evaluated. A save-the-date notification regarding the test and sales was sent in July 2024 to all the previous consigners. A six-member bull test advisory committee, which includes four consigners and buyers, was constituted and convened in June 2024 to discuss and plan the bull test. The committee decided on the bull test and sales dates and discussed ways to improve the conduct, including diets, management, and sales. The bulls will be received by 25 October 2024, the test will begin on 08 November 2024, the test will end on 31 January 2025, and the final auction will be on 07 March 2025. An auctioneer has been entrusted with the final sale event. Hiring of a Graduate Student The research involves a graduate student evaluating bulls' residual feed intake (RFI) and correlating it with sperm quality, breeding soundness evaluation (BSE), breeding performance, post-breeding recovery, and the potential interaction of RFI and bulls' age. The student joined SIU this fall (Fall 2024) and will carry out and oversee the bull test and collect data durinng and after the bull test to complete the requirements of the MS program during 2024-2026 period. Hiring of Undergraduate Students About four undergraduate students will be given an internship during the bull test, a partially paid (paid hourly) position, and they will work with the farm manager. The students will be involved in feeding the bulls, recording their intakes, monitoring their health status, cleaning the barns, checking bulls on their delivery dates, and assisting in weighing them. A short list of interested students was made and will be interviewed in September 2024 for recruitment. Overall conduct of the bull test The bull test will require extensive involvement of SIU farm employees and staff members. Bull test and research plans were extensively discussed with the SIU farms director, beef center manager, and other employees of SIU farms. The farms will mix a total mixed ration (TMR) for the bulls during the entire bull test period, and the beef center manager will oversee and coordinate the various activities of the bull test with the help of the undergraduate and graduate students involved in the bull test. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The graduate student who joined SIU this fall (Fall 2024) was given the details and description to conduct the bull test competently. The student will work closely with the SIU beef center for feeding and husbandry. They must regularly communicate with the consigners to ensure their requirements are met and questions and concerns are addressed. The student will build communication and collaboration throughout the bull test period and beyond for data collection on bulls during and after the test to meet the degree requirements. Four undergraduate students will be interviewed and selected in August 2024 to support the bull test. The students will be involved in feeding the bulls, recording their intakes, monitoring their health status, cleaning the barns, checking bulls on their delivery dates, and assisting in weighing them. The students will work closely with the beef center manager and the graduate student to coordinate the activities. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?An article about the restart of the bull test was published in the Southern Illinoisian in September 2023 (https://thesouthern.com/news/local/siu/siu-carbondale-bull-test-station/article_8c370e50-5f02-11ee-877c-f36f215be4b5.html). Further updates will be periodically published so that the information regarding the bull test will be disseminated to the larger public. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?By the next reporting period (August 2025), the 43rd bull test will be completed, with the student completing data collection during the test and post-test period from collaborating farms to evaluate the performance of bulls during the breeding season and post-test recovery. By the third reporting period (August 2026), all the data collection will be over, with the student completing the degree requirements, presenting the findings in scientific conferences, and publishing the research findings in producer magazines and peer-reviewed journals.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Objective 1: Installation of 10 units of SmartFeed with solar units at the bull test station of SIUC Accomplishments: Purchase and installation of 12 units of SmartFeed units Upon consultation with the physical plant (Facilities and energy management, FEM) of SIU, and farm authorities, it was concluded that powering the SmartFeed from solar units will be challenging due to: The Beef Evaluation Center building may not be suitable for installing solar panels on the roof. The Beef Evaluation Center's location and structure make it challenging to store the batteries and other costly parts of solar energy harvesting securely year-round. Climatic events such as hailstorms that frequent the location may damage the solar panels, resulting in a lack of power supply and preventing the gates from functioning. This might seriously impact the feeding of bulls and compromise the rules and regulations for the bull test approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). The company manufacturing the SmartFeed units also indicated that a regular 120V power supply is more reliable than a solar power supply. As a result, the Grant's Management Specialist, USDA-NIFA, was consulted, and the request to purchase 12 units of SmartFeed with a three-year service contract was approved. The correspondence was added to the award file for future reference. Installing these 12 SmartFeed units requires removing the existing non-functional and outdated feeding system and supporting structures at SIU's Beef Evaluation Center. Funds for the installation were beyond the allowable budget for this project, as the proposalwas for a regular grant. In June 2024, The SIU Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, College of Agricultural, Life, and Physical Sciences, and School of Agricultural Sciences funded $49,000 to remove the existing structures and install the SmartFeed System. The Physical Plant (Facilities and Energy Management (FEM) of SIU was contacted, and they have undertaken the required work to be completed by September 2024 before the commencement of the bull test.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
https://thesouthern.com/news/local/siu/siu-carbondale-bull-test-station/article_8c370e50-5f02-11ee-877c-f36f215be4b5.html
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