We have been committed to reducing the serious effects of Brisket Disease condition for more than 18 years. With the lowest elevation on the ranch at 7,680 feet we have experienced the same challenges as our customers and understand that at high altitude, just like everywhere else, live calves are the only ones that count. At elevation, that means the ones that PAP well. Working closely with the world’s #1 and most practical authority, Dr. Tim Holt at Colorado State University, we have methodically collected more than 16,000 PAP scores. Early on, we realized our customer’s need for environmental adaptation of bulls with low PAP scores just to survive and breed cows. As more facts surfaced about the genetic impact and potential to select for reduced losses to Brisket Disease, we began testing and selecting all replacement females using PAP scores as well. Selection pressure applied over years, and using all of the tools available, we have created a vastly improved herd and now our customers are benefiting from these efforts.

In the Mountain West, commitment to customers means a commitment to providing genetics that reduce or eliminate the challenges that come from Bovine Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAP). It is estimated that losses to “Brisket Disease” in this region can add up to thousands of head per year. On an individual herd basis however, losses can reach 25% in extreme circumstances especially with herds who push much higher altitudes in the summer. Even though most of these losses are realized above 6000 feet, there can be significant negative effects to the health of the animals from Brisket Disease even below 5000 feet, no matter the sex of the animal.