What is a good calving ease EPD number?
If the bulls used on first-calf heifers have averaged a +6 for the CED EPD for several years and you have yet to pull a calf, then a +6 CED bull is a safe option.
What does EPD mean in cattle?
Expected progeny differences
Expected progeny differences (EPDs) have been applied to improve the genetics of beef cattle for almost four decades. Expected progeny differences are predictions of the genetic transmitting ability of a parent to its offspring and are used to make selection decisions for traits desired in the herd.
How do you calculate expected progeny difference?
WW = weaning weight – This is the expected difference in adjusted weaning weights of a bull’s progeny in pounds. The greater the number, the heavier the calves would be at weaning. YW = yearling weight – This is the expected difference in adjusted yearling weights of a bull’s progeny in pounds.
What does EPD stand for in livestock judging?
Expected Progeny Difference
EPD- Expected Progeny Difference is the best estimate or indicator of a sire or dam’s genetic potential. It is the actual differences in production a pork producer could expect from future offspring of the sire and dam. This numeric value can be positive or negative.
What is a good birth weight for a heifer bull?
For example, two bulls could have an average BW of 75 pounds (lb). Bull A sires calves 65 lb. to 85 lb. while bull B’s calves are 55 lb. to 95 lb. Bull B’s average birth weight looks good (75 lb.), but he has less consistent ease of calving, says Olson.
How do you pick a good bull calf?
Bulls provide the biggest proportion of calf crop genetics, so it is important to select a herd sire that can produce desired offspring. Basics to consider in selecting a bull include breed type, parentage (pedigree), physical appearance, performance records and genetics.
What does CE mean in cattle?
Calving Ease – Direct (CE) CE EPD indicates the influence of the sire on calving ease in females calving at 2 years of age.
How do you read EPD for cattle?
EPDs are measured in units of traits, such as pounds. For example, a bull with a +70 weaning weight (WW) EPD compared to a bull with a +60 WW EPD is expected to produce calves 10 pounds heavier if mated to the same group of cows and managed under the same conditions.
How do you read a bull EPDs?
What is the most important EPD?
Birth Weight EPDs Birth weight has been identified as the single most influential factor contributing to calving diffi culty. In studies of birth weight data, birth weight EPD of sires has been shown to be the single most accurate genetic predictor of calf birth weight.
What does BW mean in cattle?
Birth Weight EPD (BW), expressed in pounds, is a predictor of a sire’s ability to transmit birth weight to his progeny compared to that of other sires. Weaning Weight EPD (WW), expressed in pounds, is a predictor of a sire’s ability to transmit weaning growth to his progeny compared to that of other sires.
When should you put a bull on a heifer?
March
Bulls will be turned in with heifers in March and with cows in April. Evaluate bulls, trim feet, line up breeding soundness exams and decide on buying new bulls. A cow’s nutrient needs increase by at least 50% after calving. If possible, separate dry cows from cow-calf pairs to feed more efficiently.
How are EPDs and genomic testing used in beef cattle?
Understanding EPDs and Genomic Testing in Beef Cattle Trait PE Calving Ease Direct 26 Birth Weight 23 Weaning Weight 27 Yearling Weight 23
What are expected progeny differences in beef cattle?
Selecting a sire based on desired traits can help you meet the goals for your beef cattle operation. Expected progeny differences (EPDs) have been applied to improve the genetics of beef cattle for almost four decades.
What are the different types of EPDs for heifers?
For producers who retain replacement heifers, the following EPDs are often used in addition to the previous list: Calving Ease Total Maternal (CETM), Calving Ease Maternal (CEM) or Maternal Calving Ease (MCE); Total Maternal (TM), Maternal Weaning Weight (MWW) or Maternal Milk and Growth (M&G);
How are EPD’s used to compare different breeds?
To compare animals across breeds, estimates from the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (MARC) can aid in determining differences between EPDs of different breeds (Table I). These across breed adjustment factors, adjusted to an Angus basis, are updated annually and can be found at http://beefimprovement.org/library-2/convention-proceedings.