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The Cattle : EPD Definitions
For many years, ranchers evaluated cattle on the sole basis of visual appraisal. Visual assessment is still
important in evaluating the soundness of an animal, but with the addition of EPDs,
we can better assess the performance and economic traits of cattle within a breed.
EPDs (Expected Progeny Differences) are used to estimate how the offspring of an
individual will compare to the offsping of other animals within a breed. EPDs are
not designed to predict the performance of one or two offspring of a bull, but rather
the differences between two individuals of the same breed.
Calving Ease Direct (CE)
This EPD that is expressed as a ratio, with a higher ratio representing better (easier)
calving ease. The value represents the direct influence a sire has on calving ease.
Only first-calf heifer data is included.
Birth Weight (BW)
This number is a prediction of the difference, in pounds, for birth weight.
Weaning Weight (WW):
A prediction of the difference, in pounds, for weaning weight (adjusted to age of
dam and a standard 205 days of age). This is an indicator of growth from birth to
weaning.
Yearling Weight (YW)
A prediction of the expected difference, in pounds, for yearling weight (adjusted
to standard 365 days of age). This is an indicator of growth from birth to yearling.
Milk (MK)
This number represents the genetic ability of a sire’s daughters to produce milk,
expressed in pounds of weaning weight.
Total Maternal (TM)
A value that combines growth and milk information and a prediction of the weaning
weight performance of calves from a sire’s daughters. This value does not have an
accompanying accuracy value.
Gestation Length (GL)
This EPD is expressed in days and measures the days under or over normal gestation
length a sire’s daughters can be expected to calve
Calving Ease Daughters (CED)
An EPD expressed as a ratio for a sire’s daughters’ calving ease with a higher ratio
being a more favorable calving ease. This value represents the calving ease that
a sire transmits to his daughters. Only first-calf daughters are considered in calculations
the EPDs.
Scrotal Circumference (SC)
This EPD value is expressed in centimeters of adjusted yearling scrotal circumference.
Stayability (ST)
Expressed in percent, prediction of the ability of a cow to produce a calf after
the age of six. Stayability EPD is the best indicator currently available for measuring
reproductive performance.
Carcass Weight (CW)
Expressed in pounds of carcass weight.
Rib Eye Area (RE)
A measurement expressed in square inches of rib eye muscle area.
Marbling (MB)
A number expressed in degrees of marbling score, a determinant of USDA Quality Grade.
Fat Thickness (FT)
Expressed in inches of fat measured between the 12th and 13th ribs of a carcass.
Feedlot Merit (FM)
Expressed in dollars per head, value passed to progeny. The Feedlot Merit EPD measures
the dollar value associated with the expected gain and feedlot efficiency of progeny
when fed in a “typical” feedlot arrangement.
Grid Merit (GM)
Expressed in a dollar value per head associated with marketing progeny on a value-based
grid. Used to estimate how future progeny of one animal compare to progeny of another
animal within the same breed. The Grid Merit EPD predicts the carcass value associated
with selling carcasses on a grid based on quality, yield grade and fitting weight
specifications. The performance measured is the dollar value associated with marketing
progeny on a value-based grid.
Information provided in part by the American Gelbvieh Association and Utah State
University
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