Comparative results of beef cattle test farming in Hungary and Germany

Abstract

A comparative review of the performance testing records of the central testing stations Lehrund Versuchsanstalt für Tierzucht und Tierhaltung (LVAT) in Germany and Bos Genetic in Hungary was conducted. The records of 284 beef bulls were analysed to see the influence of breed but most importantly the influence the central testing station itself has on the test results. This revealed that the mean for average daily gain across the two testing stations was almost identical. It also identified that with regard to average daily gain, the Charolais breed was the highest performer at LVAT, while the Blonde d’Aquitaine breed was the highest performer at the Bos Genetic Central testing station. Furthermore, the effects of differences in starting age and weight of bulls on average daily gain were analysed, showing a negligible, statistically insignificant correlation.