The objective of the Florida Bull Test is to evaluate the performance potential and breeding soundness of consigned bulls with the ultimate goal of increasing the genetic potential of beef cattle operations in the southeastern U.S.
The Florida Bull Test consists of a 112-day performance test, plus a breeding soundness evaluation on every bull that qualifies for the auction. When the bulls arrived at the NFREC Feed Efficiency Facility (FEF), they are sorted into contemporary groups, and then moved into pens where they are adapted to a soy hull and corn gluten-based diet for three weeks, before initiating the test. The bulls remain in the FEF for 56 days to collect intake data and were then relocated to 3.25-acre pastures for the remaining 56 days of the test, where they received the same diet. Animal performance, specifically average daily gain (ADG), is calculated using only the official starting and finishing test weights. Throughout the test, bulls are observed and screened for structural soundness and disposition. Bulls deemed to be structurally unsound or of poor disposition do not qualify for the sale.
A significant portion of the test is the inclusion of feed efficiency of individual bulls. To rank the bulls on feed efficiency we use residual feed intake (RFI), which is the difference between actual feed intake and expected feed intake. The more negative the number, the more efficient the bull. During the 2023-24 bull test, the RFI of bulls ranged from -5.03 to 7.88 lb/d. Therefore, the most efficient bull consumed 7.88 lb per day less feed than expected for his gain. This equates to 2,876 lb per year less feed than that bull was expected to consume!
Our staff works hard to provide the best care possible for these bulls.We believe each bull should be been given the chance to express their own genetic potential for performance and fertility.
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2025-26 Florida Bull Test
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On November 5th, the bulls concluded day 84 on test, which represent the first 28 days on pasture, following the 56-day feed efficiency test. As temperatures cool down, feed intakes begin to increase along with the ADG of bulls. As you can see in the included datasheets, the bulls have gained at a rate of 3.44 lb/d during the last 28 days. The overall average daily gain after 84 days on test is 3.56 lb/day, which is 0.10 lb/d lesser than that of last year at this point in the test and ranged from 1.98 to 5.57 lb/day.
The test index is simply the average daily gain (ADG) and the weight per day of age (WDA) added together. The index ratio is a comparison of each individual bull to the average index for the group. A ratio of 100 is average. This index will be used for the final rankings at the end of the test. The rankings may change during the next 28 days; however, as we approach the end of the test, the impact of the remaining days on feed on the overall average results is much less. The final test results will be shared after the bulls are weighed on December 2 and 3 concluding their 112 days on test.
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84-Day Summary Index Order – FL Bull Test 2025-2026
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56-Day Index Order Summary Report 2025-26 Florida Bull Test
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56 Day Report – Feed Efficiency Order 2025-26 Florida Bull Test
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28-Day Summary in Index Order – FL Bull Test 2025-2026
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28-Day Feed Efficiency Ranking – FL Bull Test 2025-2026
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2025-26 Florida Bull Test Schedule
Nominations open – May 1, 2025
Nomination deadline – June 15, 2025
Delivery Date – July 22, 2025
Test begins (initial weights) – August 12 & 13, 2025
28-day weight – September 10, 2025
56-day weight – October 7 and 8, 2025
84-day weight – November 5, 2025
Test ends (final weights) – December 2 and 3, 2025
Florida Bull Test Sale – January 17, 2026
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2025-26 FLORIDA BULL TEST RULES
The Economic Impact of the Florida Bull Test – November 2020
2025 Florida Bull Test Sale Catalog
2024 Florida Bull Test Sale Catalog
2023 Florida Bull Test Sale Catalog
2022 Florida Bull Test Sale Catalog
2021 Florida Bull Test Sale Catalog
2020 Florida Bull Test Sale Catalog
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Website short link: https://go.ufl.edu/flbulltest
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