2024-25 Florida Bull Test
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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2024-25 SCHEDULE
Nomination opened – May 1, 2024
Nomination deadline – June 15, 2024
Delivery Date – July 23, 2024
Test begins (initial weights) – August 13 & 14, 2024
28-day weight – September 11, 2024
56-day weight – October 8 and 9, 2024
84-day weight – November 6, 2024
Test ends (final weights) – December 3 and 4, 2024
Bull Test Sale – January 18, 2025
2025 Florida Bull Test Sale Flyer
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We have a total of 142 bulls from 27 different consignors in the 2024-25 Florida Bull Test. Despite the heat, the bulls adapted well to the facilities and were gaining well as a group. In general, the bulls remained healthy with no apparent health concerns at the start of the test, with a few exceptions. At arrival on July 23, the bulls averaged 775 lb. During the three weeks from arrival to initiation of the test, the bulls gained 3.83 lb/day and averaged 859 lb at the start of the bull test. The following were the reports from each 28 segment of the 2024-25 112 day bull test:
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2024-25 Bull Test Sheet 84 Day summary Index order
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2024-25 Bull Test Sheet_56 Day summary_Index order
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2024-25 Bull Test Sheet_28 Day summary_Index order
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2024-25 Bull Test Sheet_Start Summary
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2023-24 Florida Bull Test Sale Catalog (last year’s sale)
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If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Dr. Nico DiLorenzo, Tina Gwin, or David Thomas at 850-526-1621.