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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We have concluded the first 28 days of the 2025-26 Florida Bull Test, and we are off to a great start. Despite the heat, the bulls have adapted well to the facilities and appear to be gaining very well as a group. Overall, the bulls are consuming 27.23 lb of feed per day on a dry matter basis. For the first 28 days of the test, all bulls have had an average daily gain of 3.97 lb/day but ranged from 0.75 to 6.43 lb/day. The ADG for this first 28 days is 0.09 lbs./d greater than that of last year’s Florida Bull Test after 28 days on feed. Daily feed intake for the first 28 days on feed was 2.48 lb/d greater than last year at this point in the 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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