Summary of the 2018-19 Florida Bull Test & Bull Sale

Nicolas DiLorenzo, UF/IFAS NFREC Beef Nutrition Specialist

The 2018-19 Florida Bull Test Sale was successfully completed on January 19, 2019 at the University of Florida, North Florida Research and Education Center. This year marked the 19^th edition of this valuable extension program, with an excellent turnout and a very dynamic sale of 59 bulls from 4 different breeds. This year’s test was marked by the arrival of hurricane Michael exactly half way through the test; however, despite the impact of this massive storm on NFREC facilities and the community, the bulls’ performance and health was unaffected.

The sale grossed $153,650 with an average of $2,604.24 per lot.  Angus bulls averaged $2,619 on 29 lots while SimAngus bulls averaged $2,659 on 22 lots. Simmental bulls averaged $2,371 on 7 lots.  The only Simbrah bull in the sale sold for $2,600.  The high-selling bull was lot 60 (Angus), LHH Blacksmith 4010 Z02 E30, selling for $6,700, and was consigned by Hubert Hightower from Monticello, FL.

Overall Performance and Bull Test Winners

Results of the 2018-19 Florida Bull Test showed an overall average ADG of 3.35 lb/day, with a feed intake of 23.46 lbs of DM/day and an average feed-to-gain ratio of 7.39, measured on the first 56 days of the test while on the Feed Efficiency Facility. Table 1 shows a summary of the top performing bulls in each of the breed categories. The overall top indexing bull was CUR RESOURCE E632 (SimAngus), consigned by Phillip Currid.  The index used to rank bulls is calculated as the sum of average daily gain (ADG) and weight per day of age (WDA).  The Top Feed Efficiency bull based on the lowest value of residual feed intake (RFI) was the Simmental bull E921, consigned by The Sara G Ranch.

Test Rules and Additional Information

To qualify for the 2018-19 Test, bulls had to be born between August 15 and December 31 of 2017. For the complete set of rules to enroll bulls in the Florida Bull Test, and to access the full results of the 2018-19 test, and videos of each bull that participated in the sale, go to http://nfrec.ifas.ufl.edu/florida-bull-test . Nominations for the 2019-20 bull test will be accepted starting on May 1, 2019. Stay tuned for more information to be posted in the Florida Bull Test page, or call 850-526-1611 for additional information.