Initial Results of Hungarian Blonde d'Aquitaine Breeding Bull Candidates in the Vytelle System

Nowadays, public opinion is determined by economic and environmental considerations, so when selecting beef cattle for breeding, the aim is to achieve the largest possible body size while reducing feed costs and methane emissions. Computer-controlled automatic feeding systems can measure the exact amount of feed consumed by animals, enabling the RFI value to be determined. This value expresses the difference between the amount of feed actually consumed by the animal and the amount expected based on its live weight and body weight gain.In 2024, we studied 29 Blonde d'Aquitaine breeding bulls that were fed using the Vytille system and housed in two pens in Taliándörögd. The animals were divided into four groups based on their RFI values and average daily weight gain, and their production data were analysed using a multivariate generalised linear model (GLM) method.Based on our results, it was not necessary to take pen effect into account, as the husbandry technology was perfectly suited to the purpose. The four groups were sufficient for selection based on feed conversion and daily weight gain. Taking all the measured values into account, the young bulls in the group with favourable RFI and above-average daily weight gain are the most promising.