An analysis of Angus central bull performance tests in New
Zealand
D.C. Dalton
Whatawhata Hill Country Research Station, Private Bag, Hamilton
E-Mail:
Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1976, 36: 210-215
Data from 521 New Zealand Angus bulls in 14 central performance
tests over 4 seasons have been analysed. Mean start-age was 250 to 305
days, start-weight 245 to 316 kg, test gain-per-day 0.68 to 1.05 kg/day.
Days on test varied from 244 to 304 days except for two dry seasons of
119 and 181 days. Start-weight and end-weight were highly correlated but
this varied over the tests from r=0.38 to 0.85. The conclusion from this
work, supported by other New Zealand research is that these tests as
presently organized are limited in their efficiency in identifying
genetically superior bulls. Reduction in start-age is an urgent
priority. Breeders must weight the benefits of these tests in both
genetic and non-genetic terms against their costs of operation.
Keywords: NZSAPAB;
Last Updated 24-08-2000
