Using this Catalog:
Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs): provide a genetic value predicting the performance of future offspring for each animal as a way to compare animals within a breed. Information from the animal ’ s individual performance, offspring performance and performance from other relatives go into calculating EPDs. Each EPD is reported in the same unit of measure as the trait i.e. weaning weight is reported in pounds. These numbers are a tool for breeders to utilize to help them decide what traits are important to their program and how they can make changes in their herd. Accuracy: is the reliability that can be placed on an EPD. Accuracy is reported as a decimal number between zero and one with larger numbers indicating higher accuracy and more certainty the EPD will not change as more progeny infor- mation is obtained. Accuracies of .20 and below are typical of non - parent bulls. Genomic (DNA) testing of bulls will in- crease accuracy values.
EPD Definitions:
Birth Weight EPD (BW): The expected difference in average birth weight (lbs) of progeny. Birth weight reflects prenatal growth potential and may also be used as an indicator of calving ease. Calving Ease Direct (CED): Expressed as a difference in percentage of unassisted births, with a higher value indicating greater calving ease in first - calf heifers. Weaning Weight EPD (WW): The expected difference in average weaning weight (lbs) of calves. The evaluation reflects genetic influence on pre - weaning growth rate. Yearling Weight EPD (YW): The expected difference in average yearling weight (lbs) of progeny. The evaluation reflects genetic influence on pre - weaning and post - weaning growth rate. Maternal Milk EPD (Milk): The expected difference in average weaning weight (lbs) of daughter's calves attributed to milking ability. In other words, it is a predictor of a sire's genetic merit for milk and mothering ability as expressed in his daughters. Marbling EPD (Mrb): Expressed as a fraction of the difference in USDA marbling score of a sire ’ s progeny compared to progeny of other sires. Ribeye Area EPD (REA): Expressed in square inches, is a predictor of the difference in ribeye area of a sire ’ s progeny compared to progeny of other sires. Fat Thickness (Fat): Expressed in inches, is a predictor of the differences in external fat thickness at the 12th rib (as measured between the 12th and 13th ribs) of a sire ’ s progeny compared to progeny of other sires. Index EPDs: A combination EPD value expressed in dollars. Each breed has their own values and are maternal ($M for Angus, HerdBuilder for Red Angus, BMI for Hereford), or terminal ($B for Angus, GridMaster for Red Angus, CHB for Her- eford). Show - Me - Plus Classification: Heifers tested with a heifer genomic prediction panel approved by University of Missouri Extension will be given the designation of a Show - Me - Plus Heifer. These include breed association GE - EPD, GeneMax Advantage, Inherit Select, Red Navigator, Igenity Beef, and Method Choice tests. Heifer DNA samples must be submitted and paid for two months prior to sale date. Genomic panel results must be sent to regional coordinator and state beef geneticist prior to tagging. Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certification: Producers are encouraged to obtain Beef Quality Assurance certification, but it is not required. In - person or online certifications are accepted.
May 9, 2025
Page 5
Farmington Regional Stockyards
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