USING THE CATALOG EPD INFORMATION
Expected Progeny Differences (EPD) : Provides the best means of comparing genetic merit of animals within the breed. For each trait evaluated, the EPD incorporates the animals individual and progeny performance information from other relatives. By utilizing national sire evaluation information, the evaluation also utilizes information from related traits and accounts, in part, for differences in the genetic merit of herd mates as well as genetic trend within the breed. Each trait evaluation predicts expected progeny performance relative to a fixed breed average- hence the term “Expected Progeny Difference”. The key word is “difference”. The EPD itself does not imply “good” or “bad” performance, only whether the performance of progeny is expected to be above or below that of progeny from average parents. Breeders should, on an individual basis, decide what is best for them by considering what traits are important to their program, their current herd performance, and the degree of change desired.
Example
Service Sire
Expected Progeny Differences (EPD’s)
AI Service Sire
Registration #
Breed
CED
WW
YW
Milk
E&B WILDCAT 9402
19810163
Angus
14 (0.82)
84 (0.92)
152 (0.88)
24 (0.44)
Accuracy (ACC) : A measure of certainty regarding the EPD evaluation for a performance trait. Accuracy is reported as a decimal number between zero and one; larger values show greater accuracy and more certainty that the EPD will not change significantly as additional progeny information is obtained. If you do not want to bear the risk, use animals with an accuracy of 0.9 or higher.
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, which is 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.
SERVICE SIRE EPD REQUIREMENTS FOR CALVING EASE
Two sire classifications will be recognized in SMS Heifer Sales: • Artificial insemination sires • Natural service sires (genomic tested only) For a complete list see the SMS website: https://extension.missouri.edu/programs/show-me-select-replacement-heifer- program/show-me-select-requirements Service Sire Breed Minimum Calving Ease EPD A.I. Accuracy Requirement Angus 7.0 0.60 Charolais 15.4 0.60 Gelbvieh & Balancer 14.0 0.60 Limousin & LimFlex 14.0 0.60 Hereford 6.4 0.50 Red Angus 14.0 0.60 Simmental & SimAngus 14.0 0.60
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