We focus on identifying value in beef production and the reliable data on our bulls allows you to select the bull which will
maximize your profit in your herd – dollars in your pocket.
To enable beef to remain a desired protein and affordable to the consumer, we gain
efficiencies in production while reducing our environmental footprint.
We use individually focused scientific tests, beef grading quality measurements
and genetic scoring to identify the most profitable traits, in all aspects of beef production.
Testimonials
We purchased a Simmental hybrid bull at the 2023 H21 Bull sale, and were very impressed with the bull ranking and feed efficiency testing Highway 21 does. Lyle took us through the bull pens a month prior to sale day and walked us through the many different ways they measure feed efficiency carcass data calving ease and many other important aspects we look for when selecting a herd bull. The Herdtrax system alone was very valuable to me as it allowed us to easily pick a bull with traits that we needed to improve certain traits in our herd. The ease of sorting through desirable traits we were after made this very easy to sort through bulls and have a list to bid on sale day. We got what we wanted and under our budget. The data they collected on these bulls was impressive not to mention the great one on one service we received was very nice. - Trevor Hagel
Last March, I concluded a family visit to Alberta with a stop at the Highway 21 bull sale. I was welcomed and assisted in my selection by Lyle Miller and Scott Brady. I chose 146J to head east to be part of our bull battery. 146J is backed by good performance numbers and pedigree. He has super temperament which is essential for us old people, correct stature and most importantly is well muscled. He came off pasture this fall weighing about the same as when he went out to work. We look forward to seeing his calves in the spring and we are confident that 146J will help us to continue to produce top selling stockers that we sell at Keady Livestock Market. - Carolyn Closs, Harolyn Farms, Shawville Quebec
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The Importance of Feed Efficiency Selection in Beef Cattle in Canada |
Feed efficiency in beef cattle is a critical factor for optimizing production and sustainability in Canada's cattle industry. As the sector faces increasing economic and environmental pressures, selecting for feed efficiency—defined as the ability of cattle to convert feed into body weight gain efficiently—has become essential for maximizing profitability and reducing environmental impact.
Feed constitutes a significant portion of the operational costs in beef production. In Canada, where feed costs can account for up to 60% of total production expenses (Canadian Cattlemen's Association, 2022), improving feed efficiency can substantially enhance profitability. Cattle that exhibit higher feed efficiency require less feed to achieve the same weight gain as less efficient animals. This efficiency reduces feed costs per unit of beef produced, directly improving the bottom line for producers (Harris et al., 2019). Additionally, more efficient cattle are less reliant on expensive feed supplements, further lowering production costs.
Feed efficiency also plays a vital role in reducing the environmental footprint of beef production. The beef industry is under increasing scrutiny regarding its environmental impact, particularly in terms of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Cattle that are more efficient in converting feed to weight gain generally produce less methane per unit of beef (Hristov et al., 2019). Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is a byproduct of enteric fermentation during digestion. By selecting for feed efficiency, producers can contribute to lowering methane emissions, aligning with Canada's climate goals and improving the industry's sustainability profile.
Genetic selection for feed efficiency involves identifying and breeding cattle with superior feed conversion ratios. Advanced technologies, such as genomic selection, have made it possible to more accurately select for this trait. Research shows that breeding for feed efficiency can lead to improvements in average daily gain and feed conversion ratios without compromising other important traits such as meat quality or reproductive performance (Moran et al., 2020). Additionally, feed-efficient cattle often exhibit better overall health and longevity, further enhancing their value.
Implementing feed efficiency selection requires careful management. Producers must use precise measurement tools and data collection methods to identify and monitor feed efficiency in their herds. Technologies like individual feed intake measurement systems and genetic testing can provide valuable insights into which animals are the most feed-efficient (Harris et al., 2019). Integrating these technologies into herd management practices enables producers to make informed decisions and achieve optimal results.
In summary, feed efficiency selection is of paramount importance for beef cattle production in Canada. It offers significant economic advantages by reducing feed costs, contributes to environmental sustainability by lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and enhances overall herd performance through genetic improvement. As the beef industry continues to evolve, prioritizing feed efficiency will be crucial for maintaining competitiveness and addressing environmental concerns. By embracing advancements in genetic selection and management practices, Canadian beef producers can achieve these benefits and ensure a more sustainable and profitable future for the industry.
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Residual Feed Intake (RFI) References |
Residual feed intake (RFI) is a measure of feed efficiency that is calculated as the difference between an animal’s actual feed intake and its expected feed intake. RFI is independent of body weight and size. Differences in the trait cannot be detected by physically looking at an animal, it requires accurate and simultaneous measurement of an animal’s feed intake and body weight. Animals with low RFI values are more efficient than those with high RFI values.1
Assuming a herd of cattle have a normal distribution for RFI, selection for RFI could improve efficiency by 20 percent. There is no other single technology that holds this much promise to reduce feed costs.1
Since the heritability of the trait is about 40%, substantial progress can be made in RFI. 2
Our herd average feed to gain ratio is nearly two pounds below the industry average and after stacking several generations of feed efficient genetics we are now producing cattle with less than a 3:1 feed to gain ratio. 3
Feed Savings at Various Barley Prices when selecting for RFI/DMC | ||||
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Based on a 650 lb steer | ||||
Per Head | Barley Cost | |||
Feedlot Dry Matter Conversion | % Improvement | $413/MT ($9/bu) | $253/MT ($5.50/bu) | $183/MT ($4/bu) |
6.8 | Baseline | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
5.95 | 12.5% | $153.00 | $99.00 | $74.00 |
5.1 | 25% | $306.00 | $198.00 | $148.00 |
Per Sire | Barley Cost | |||
Calves Sired | % Improvement | $413/MT ($9/bu) | $253/MT ($5.50/bu) | $183/MT ($4/bu) |
76 | Baseline | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
76 | 12.5% | $11,628.00 | $7,524.00 | $5,624.00 |
76 | 25% | $23,256.00 | $15,048.00 | $11,248.00 |
Based on 4 years of use of a bull @ 95% calf crop and 20 calves sired naturally per year |
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Bull Sale Terms |
These bulls are for sale at our 1st Annual live auction on Monday March 21, 2022 at the Ranch, Hanna, Alberta. We are happy to have T Bar C helping to make this event a success as well as memorable.
We are offering yearling and 2 year old bulls. Quite simply, we cut off the age for the yearling bulls to be born prior to March 31 st. Bulls offered that were born after March 31 will be 2 year old bulls. These bulls will only be represented for sale once. There will not be any unsold bulls rolled over to the following year.
We guarantee our bulls have:
Hwy21 reserves the right to charge 1.5% interest per month or 18% per annum on any bills 90 days in arrears from invoice date, if prior arrangements haven’t been made by the purchaser.
All registered bulls sold will be transferred to the purchaser.
Hwy 21 reserves a 1% interest in all bulls sold for the purpose of drawing semen if they desire at a time convenient to the purchaser. Any interest higher than 1% will be communicated on an individual bull basis prior to sale and the terms set out with the interest. In these cases, this may be enacted for the purpose of Hwy21 sharing the walking rights of a specific bull or for the purpose of sharing in any semen rights.
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Calf Marketing |
At Highway 21 Feeders, we are always looking for exceptional cattle to buy and feed. We know the bulls you have bought, the traits they excel in and as well their dam and sire better than anyone. This makes the calves they sire of utmost interest to us, and a product that we would love to pay a premium for. However, we are not always buying all weight classes and sexes, therefore our buy back contains 3 promises. These may be used however you wish, or not at all. It is up to you!
1. We will buy your calves direct when the transaction is right for both of us.
There will be no commission charged or marketing fees. There will only be an industry standard shrink applied. If desired by the
seller, freight can be arranged. We will use the superior traits of the bulls purchased and pay premiums where we can on his progeny.
2. Since we are also on the feedlot side of the industry, we know what traits
(feed efficiency, daily gain, grading, etc.) are sought after and what their value is when buying feeder
animals. When we are unable to buy your calves for whatever reason, we will bridge the gap between our bull customers and other
feeder buyers, and “talk the talk” to represent your progeny to the best of our abilities. Your cattle will no longer
be represented to buyers with only the customary “these calves are sired by top bulls from....”.
We will do this free of charge. You always reserve the right to market them yourselves if we do not achieve a price you're happy
with.
3. If we are buying the weight class and sex of calves you're selling, but
you wish to sell at your local market, we will have a representative bid on your calves on sale day.
It is important to properly promote any vaccination, preconditioning and health and nutrition program you employ in your herd. We can help walk you through what is important to represent the cattle to the fullest.
With all the marketing options, we require a minimum of 2 weeks of notice prior to when you want to market your calves. If we are unable to come view the calves in the weeks prior to sale, we may require photos to be supplied for marketing.
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Open/Cull Cow Marketing |
To compliment full 360 service, if you have close to a liner load or more of open or cull cows, we can assist you in marketing them direct to slaughter. Again, this service is free of charge to our bull customers.
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Data for Your Herd |
If we have purchased your calves, we will supply the feeding data and slaughter data back to you when the cattle ship. At a minimum this will come in a summary report. If we can obtain individual grading and performance records for each animal, this will be supplied, or exported if you wish, into a herd management program. If we assist you to market your offspring elsewhere, every effort will be made to negotiate the supply of the data back to the producer.
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Docility Scoring |
The safety of our customers, staff and family is Number 1. Without all of them, none of our success would be possible. Handling livestock should not have to be dangerous. We handle these animals daily in a low stress environment and do our best to prepare them for all types of environments. Each animal does have its own personality and reacts differently to handling. We have adopted what many other breeders already do, and what we feel should be a standard in the industry, by applying a docility score to our animals. We understand this may deter you from an animal you would have otherwise purchased, but your safety of knowing what you are buying is of utmost importance.
Our ranking system is as such:
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We are passionate about helping customers select the right herd-ready bulls for their operation! Give us a call or stop in. |
Lyle Miller cell: 403-888-3973office: 403-546-2278 ext 6 email
Brad Quinton cell: 403-422-0614 email