Performance testing of bulls for efficiency and beef traits in dairy and dual-purpose cattle. Report of an E.A.A.P. working group

The working group conducted a seminar in Wageningen, The Netherlands, in April 1987. The objectives of the seminar were: 1. (1) a review and an exchange of results and experiments about performance testing of bulls in dairy and dual-purpose breeds; 2. (2) recommendations for testing procedures and further research needs. The comparison of performance test results with male progeny under different environments showed a clear positive relationship. It was concluded that performance tests should be comparable with the prevailing conditions the progeny have to fulfil, especially with regard to test period length and feeding intensity. Preliminary results from Denmark and The Netherlands about the relationship between performance test results and female progeny for feed efficiency indicated a slight positive relationship. Metabolic and immunological parameters (in connection with a challenge) of young sires may provide indications to metabolic stability in production and diseases. The estimation of breeding values for beef were discussed. The economic aspects of beef production in dairy and dual-purpose breeds were discussed under the EEC-situation with milk quotas. The studies presented showed that performance testing of young bulls is a useful approach to improve the efficiency of production. The papers of the seminar are available as E.A.A.P.-publication No. 34 (ISBN: 90-220-0924-6).