Agricultural News
Expected Progeny Differences Helping Cattle Producers Make Genetic Changes
Thu, 06 Oct 2011 15:31:59 CDT
Expected Progeny Differences, most often referred to as EPDs, are a selection tool used by cattle producers to help in making directional, genetic changes in their herds. Dr. Sally Northcutt, formerly at OSU Animal Science Department, is the Associate Genetic Research Director at the American Angus Association and says it is helpful for producers that are using EPDs to have a basic understanding of their meaning and how to apply them to their herd.
EPDs are a prediction of how future progeny are expected to perform says Northcutt. EPDs can be used when comparing two animals or a particular animal to a breed but most commonly, EPDs are used when making sire selections says Northcutt.
Northcutt reminds producers they need to keep in mind that for weaning and yearling weight EPDs, producers need to determine the appropriate or optimal level in your herds. Selecting the highest or most extreme EPD within the breed is not necessarily ideal for every producer says Northcutt.
For more information on EPDs, visit the American Angus Association's website - which you can find by clicking here.
Click on the LISTEN bar below to hear more from Ron Hays and Dr. Northcutt as they discuss the basics of EPDs and how producers can utilize them in their herds.
The Beef Buzz is a regular feature heard on radio stations around the region on the Radio Oklahoma Network- but is also a regular audio feature found on this website as well. Click on the listen bar below for today's show- and check out our archives for older Beef Buzz shows covering the gamut of the beef cattle industry today.
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