Agricultural News
Dr. Tonya Amen Talks About the Growing List of EPD's
Fri, 30 Oct 2015 16:23:57 CDT
Cattlemen having a growing number of expected progeny differences or (EPDs) for herd selection. EPD's are a very useful tool that allow cattlemen to compare one sire to another within a breed. There are also comparisons between breeds that have established. It seems like in recent years that there are increasing number of EPD's for cattlemen to consider. Dr.Tonya Amen, Genetic Service Director for Angus Genetics, Inc. said there are more EPD's out there than ever before.
The earliest EPD's measured growth traits, where data is easy to collect and the trait is moderately heritable. As time has gone on, Amen said they began to measure carcass traits and incorporate ultrasound data. The next phase has been to measure reproductive traits.
The American Angus Association continues to develop new EPD's. Amen said the association will be releasing an EPD for tenderness very soon. The association is also developing EPD's for regional characteristics. This includes addressing High Altitude Disease and heat tolerance.
Radio Oklahoma Network Farm Director Ron Hays featured Amen on the Beef Buzz feature. Click or tap on the LISTEN BAR below to listen to today's Beef Buzz.
Hays caught up with Amen at the recent Cattlemen's Boot Camp at Oklahoma State University. Click or tap here to hear the full interview.
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.
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI
Top Agricultural News
More Headlines...