An overall goal of the bull selection process is to offer bulls that are ready to go to work in the herds of the cattlemen that purchase LCF bulls. Therefore, birth weight is the first selection criteria. The selection criteria utilized at weaning include wean weight, scrotal circumference, conformation, and attitude. The selection process continues post-weaning for the bull calves that are left intact. We continue to monitor conformation, attitude, and average daily gain. Good yearling data is critical for the bull to remain intact. Yearling data collected includes average daily gain, 365-day weight, frame score, scrotal circumference, and ultra-sound measurements. Subjective evaluations of conformation and attitude are also utilized to decide which yearling continues to be a bull. Most bulls that successfully meet all the selection criteria are posted to our web site each October. A few select bulls will be offered as potential herd bulls during the Magnolia Classic.
Heifers follow a similar selection program. Each heifer is evaluated as they grow while nursing mama. Wean weight, conformation and attitude are critical evaluation tools as we begin to select replacement females. Each heifer is monitored post-weaning as their maturation continues. As with the bulls, yearling data is critical. Data collected for evaluation include average daily gain, 365-day weight, frame score, and ultra-sound measurements. Following evaluation of the yearling data along with the subjective evaluation of conformation and attitude, heifers to go back into the herd are selected as well as heifers to be offered for sale. The Fleckvieh Simmental heifers are offered during the Magnolia Classic and the Red Angus heifers are offered for sale privately from the farm.
