Potential bull buyers perceive increased value to their operations when purchasing bulls from the Florida Bull Test

Abstract Text: The primary purpose of the Florida Bull Test is to serve as an educational aid for the improvement of beef cattle production. The test aims to: 1) provide the commercial cow/calf producer a source of bulls that have been tested for animal performance (i.e., ADG, DMI and feed efficiency), that were thoroughly evaluated at the same location, and that have passed stringent health requirements; 2) provide an opportunity for seed stock producers to advertise their breeding programs through testing and marketing bulls; and 3) promote awareness and understanding of the latest animal breeding concepts and tools while showcasing superior beef cattle genetics in Florida. The test standardizes environmental conditions for evaluating postweaning performance. In doing so, it provides useful records for bull consignors to better evaluate breeding programs and creates a local source of performance-tested bulls. Since the inception of the test, fourteen annual bull tests have been completed with 1,205 bulls tested from more than fourteen different breeds. Mean sale average has ranged from $1,283 (in 2001) to $3,274 (in 2013). Prior to initiation of the 2014 Florida Bull Test sale a survey was conducted among potential buyers on their perception of the value that purchasing a bull may be to their operation. Of the 77 completed surveys, 54% indicated that they had purchased between one and six bulls from previous Florida Bull Test sales. Buyers originated from Alabama (n = 21), Florida (n = 47), and Georgia (n = 9). The primary factors identified by potential buyers when considering to purchase a bull were prioritized as follows: 1) breed; 2) performance and rank in the test; 3) sale price of the bull; 4) phenotype; 5) feed efficiency; and 6) pedigree. The mean perceived increased value per calf sired by bulls purchased from the Florida Bull Test was $58.05, but ranged from $0 to $125 per calf. We concluded that potential buyers value bulls purchased from the Florida Bull Test and these bulls are perceived to increase the value of their offspring at weaning.

Keywords: Beef Cattle, Survey, Bull Test