Evaluation of a central bull test station

Date

1976-08

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Texas Tech University

Abstract

Selected traits were analyzed for 708 bulls tested at the Texas Tech University Center at Amarillo from 1967 to 1975. The trend for these traits indicated little change in ADG and weight per day of age (WDA) over the years. Weight on test was influenced by age on test (r = .66). Younger bulls either maintained or increased their WDA during the test period.

ADG and WDA were increased slightly by the introduction of the larger, later-maturing European breeds and their crosses. The larger breeds also exhibited less fat thickness over the ribeye.

A more detailed analysis of the 80 bulls tested in 1970-71 showed that Angus and Hereford bulls fattened at a greater rate than the Simmental crosses. Length and height measurements revealed that the longer and taller bulls were heavier both on and off test and were less fat.

The bull's index was most highly related to sale price (r = .62) and was followed by off test weight (r = .54) and ADG (r = .47). Off test age and fat thickness over the ribeye influenced buying decisions very little. Because the index was heavily influenced by weight and gain, buyers obviously selected the larger, faster-gaining bulls.

Simple correlation coefficients between variables at the 112- and 140-day test periods were .97 for weight, .89 for total weight gain and .95 for fat thickness. These results indicate that the 140-day test period could be shortened to 112 days with only a small loss of information.

Description

Keywords

Bulls, Cattle breeding -- Texas

Citation