The primary objective of the Dean Lee Bull Performance Test Program is to evaluate and compare the ability of weanling bull calves to gain rapidly and efficiently through the time they become a year old under uniform or common environmental conditions. In addition to the actual weight gain and frame size evaluations, the testing station also provides adjusted yearling weight and a within breed index of overall bull performance along with other tools (i.e., ultra-sound and breeding soundness exams) to breeders to further assess and evaluate future herd sires. It is important to note that this is a uniform genetic evaluation test and not a bull development program.

Since 1958, the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station has been performance testing beef bulls for interested breeders throughout the state. In the beginning, daily gains for bulls on the 140-day test averaged 2.2 pounds, whereas currently daily gains are averaging 3.5 pounds! In 1990, the length of the test was reduced from 140 to 112 days. Two tests are conducted each year, with a summer test that begins in late May and a winter test that begins in late October. The performance testing committee encourages breeders across the state to participate in this evaluation program.

Please contact Sid DeRouen for further information.