J. E. Devillier1, E. K. Tridwell1, T. G. Page2, and D. Hoover3. (1) Louisiana State University, 4419 Idlewild Road, Clinton, LA 70722, (2) Louisiana State University, 102A-1 Francioni Hall, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, (3) Louisiana Department of Corrections, P.O. Box 44314, Baton Rouge, LA 70804
Annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum), an easily established grass, provides high quality and high quantity forage; attributes conducive to a forage-based bull test. Its high productivity lends itself to the evaluation of post-weaning growth rates and other traits of beef bulls under conditions common to commercial beef production. Prine ryegrass was planted on a prepared seed-bed in late September-early October, fertilized and managed throughout the growing season according to Extension forage recommendations. Bulls born September 1 to March 31 were grazed for 150 + days on ryegrass. Minerals were fed free choice. Since 1999, 673 bulls consigned by 85 different producers and representing 23 beef breeds have been evaluated in the test. Angus, Brangus and Charolais were the breeds most often represented in the test. Producers consigned 63 and 74 bulls in 2005 and 2006, respectively. Bulls averaged 353 and 377 pounds gain, 2.71 and 2.45 pounds ADG, 35 and 38 cm scrotal circumference, 51 and 51 in hip height and 3.27 and 3.19 disposition score in 2005 and 2006, respectively. Carcass measurements averaged 10.21 in2 and 9.57 in2 REA, 0.98 and 0.94 in2 REA/cwt, 0.10 in and 0.21 in fat thickness and 1.54 and 3.10 % IMF. Data was not adjusted for age of dam, breed or age of bull. The Louisiana Forage-Based Bull Performance Test is a cooperative venture of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service, Prison Enterprises and private industry.
