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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Florida Bull Test Sale – January 18, 2025
2025 Florida Bull Test Sale Catalog
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Videos of the Bulls for Sale
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Online Bidding through DVAuction
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We have completed the 25th Florida Bull Test with a record consignment of 142 bulls on test. All bulls were returned to the pasture today after the second day weighing to obtain the final weight on test and after conducting the first round of breeding soundness examinations. The average daily gain (ADG) for the bulls after the 112-day test was 3.64 pounds per day and ranged from 5.44 to 1.83 pounds per day. The Bull Test Summary sheets below are the results presented in two formats: the first is the whole group ranked on the test index and the second is ranked by breed. 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 was used for the final rankings at the end of the test.
The bull test sale will be held at 12:30 PM Central, on January 18, 2025. We will have internet bidding available through DVAuction, Inc. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Dr. Nico DiLorenzo, Tina Gwin, or David Thomas at 850-526-1621.
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2024-25 Bull Test Sheet_FINAL Summary_Index Order
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2024-25 Bull Test Sheet_FINAL Summary_Breed Order
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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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2024-25 SCHEDULE
Nominations 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
2023-24 Florida Bull Test Sale Catalog (last year’s sale)
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