Bulls Have Arrived for the 15th Annual Florida Bull Test

For the 15th year, the North Florida Research and Education Center (NFREC) is hosting the Florida Bull Test. This year, of the 119 bulls nominated, 102 bulls were received on July 30, 2014. After a three-week adaptation period, bulls will initiate a 112 day feed and performance test to determine feed efficiency and average daily gain (ADG). Throughout the test, bulls will be observed and screened for structural soundness and disposition. After completion of the test those bulls that perform well, are structurally sound, and have good disposition will qualify for the sale. The test officially begins on August 19, 2014, ends on December 10, 2014, and the sale is on January 17, 2015. A new initiative for the 15th Florida Bull Test is to include the possibility of remote bidding for the sale through the internet. This opportunity will provide consignors an added opportunity to market their bulls to potential buyers who are unable to attend the sale in person. In addition, buyers who cannot attend the sale will have the opportunity to purchase bulls through a verified internet bidding company. We are excited about offering this new opportunity!

Since the inception of the test, 1,205 bulls have been tested from more than fourteen different breeds. Mean sale average has ranged from $1,283 (In 2001) to $3,274 (in 2013). The primary purpose of the Florida Bull Test is to serve as an educational aid for the improvement of beef cattle. The test aims to: 1) provide the commercial cow/calf producer a source of bulls that have been gain tested, that were thoroughly evaluated at the same location, and that have passed stringent health requirements; 2) provide an opportunity for seed stock producers to advertise their breeding programs through testing and marketing bulls; and 3) promote awareness and understanding of the latest animal breeding concepts and tools while showcasing superior beef cattle genetics in Florida. The test standardizes environmental conditions for evaluating postweaning performance. In doing so, it provides useful records for bull consignors to better evaluate breeding programs and creates a local source of performance-tested bulls.

For monthly updates on the bulls and additional information on the FL Bull Test, readers can access the Florida Bull Test Website. Visitors to view bulls in the FL Bull Test are welcome any time, but we request that visitors contact our staff in advance.