Auburn Bull Test

[MikeC]

First 28 Day Results for the "Auburn Bull Test" which is the longest running annual bull test in the USA.

My calf is Lot #102.

Does anyone see a correlation in "Feed Efficiency" and "Frame Scores"?


http://www.albcia.org/Senior_28_Day_Report.pdf

 

[Frankie]

No, I don't see the correlation. 28 days isn't much to go on. At our bull test station, they don't even report the 28 day weight.

I think the differerences you see are more a result of on test weights than frame score. We've found that Angus calves going on test at less than 700-750 lbs just aren't able to handle the ration. As they get bigger, they may take a growth spurt, but lighter calves tend to get off to a slow start.

 

[MikeC]

No, I don't see the correlation. 28 days isn't much to go on. At our bull test station, they don't even report the 28 day weight.

I think the differerences you see are more a result of on test weights than frame score. We've found that Angus calves going on test at less than 700-750 lbs just aren't able to handle the ration. As they get bigger, they may take a growth spurt, but lighter calves tend to get off to a slow start.

You may be right. At first glance, it looked as though the larger framed animals were more efficient.

There was also a 28 day warm-up period before the test began.

You can see the delivery data at http://www.albcia.org

Then click on "Auburn".

My calf gained a whole number in Frame Score? Unbelievable.

 

[Brandonm2]

I am sorry Mike I am missing it. Only the Anguses are there in enough numbers for the data to be meaningful. The smallest Angus (frame score 4.1) had ~decent efficiency at 6.65 (ratio of 120) and the biggest Angus (frame score 7.1) had horrible efficiency at 11.22 (ratio of 65) though he is also doing terribly on ADG at a mediocre 3.04 (ratio of 79). Of course the second biggest (frame score 7.0) has the BEST FE at 5.80 (ration 130) and ironically is from the same farm as that other tall bull. The worst bull for FE at 12.47 (ratio 49) was a moderate 6.2 frame score. I just don't see a real clear link on that test between frame score and feed efficiency though in theory I would expect the bigger bulls to be more efficient.

 

[Aero]

My calf gained a whole number in Frame Score? Unbelievable.

highly unlikely.

"unbelievable" is right.

measurement accuracy might not be all that you hope.

do you really think he gained 3 inches of hip ht in one month?

 

[MikeC]

My calf gained a whole number in Frame Score? Unbelievable.

highly unlikely.

"unbelievable" is right.

measurement accuracy might not be all that you hope.

do you really think he gained 3 inches of hip ht in one month?

I was at the "Weigh-In" at delivery and know it to be correct.
With the facilities they use it would be hard to screw-up. i.e. There is a "Board" with measured lines on it attached to the chute next to the calves. The test advisor herself reads out the Frame Scores.

I really don't know what to believe????????

I was hoping for a FS 6.5 at the end of the test.

My wish may not come true. Oh well.

Sure wasn't hoping for that big of a jump!

Aero, Lot #134 (Angus) gained 3 inches in the same time period.