As a new sports season sparks speculation among fans, beef cattle producers too rely on data to make strategic decisions about herd matings. Kansas State University's Beef Cattle Institute emphasizes the importance of Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) in guiding these choices.
EPDs represent the expected performance differences among groups of progeny. For instance, comparing the weaning weight EPD of two bulls of the same breed allows producers to predict the average weight difference in their calves at weaning.
While EPDs are calculated similarly across breeds, it's crucial to compare EPDs only between animals of the same breed due to varying baseline calculations. The statistical model for EPD calculation considers phenotype information, pedigree, and sometimes genomic data collected through samples like hair or tissue.
Understanding the accuracy of EPD data is essential as it indicates the level of confidence in the calculation and how it might change over time. Producers may choose high-accuracy sires for heifer matings, particularly for calving ease, while taking more risks with lower accuracy sires for cows, which are less prone to calving difficulties.
In commercial herds, where cows may lack EPD data, focus on the sire's EPDs becomes vital. Producers can apply significant selection pressure on sires to drive desired changes within the herd, especially when retaining replacement heifers from these matings.
With EPDs as a powerful tool, beef cattle producers can make informed breeding decisions to enhance the overall performance and genetics of their herds.
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Categories: Kansas, Livestock, Beef Cattle