Expected Progeny Differences Cattle Selection Using Genetic Data Nick Nelson Blue Mountain Community College

Background  EPD’s were started in the 1970’s and were established on all Beef Breeds of cattle by 1984  Before EPD’s, Cattlemen used “Herd Ratios” as a record keeping system on their cattle.  Herd Ratio’s cannot be measured from one ranchers cattle to another ranchers cattle, because of differences in genetics, climate, and region.

EPD’s are the most accurate means of records that we have!  Expected Progeny Differences are based on the “3 P’s” 1. Pedigree—The parents performance 2. Progeny—The offsprings performance 3. Performance—The individual’s performance Data is collected from all animals among the 3 P’s to make an EPD

The Gist of EPD’s  Each breed has their own set of standards and breed averages  You cannot compare data of a Hereford bull and data from a Angus Bull  Data can only be measured between animals in the same breed  Artificial Insemination has assisted in the use of EPD’s, because sires are frequently used by many people and have thousands of offspring each year making genetic data very accurate.

Typical EPD’s  Birth Weight—measured in pounds  Weaning Weight—pounds  Yearling Weight—pounds  Milk—pounds  Total Maternal—pounds (1/2 of WW + Milk)  Stayabilility—years  Gestation—days  Calving Ease Direct (CED)—pounds (weight & shape)

Example The Red Angus Breed Average of all animals within the breed are: BWWWYWMilkTM You Decide to use a Red Angus bull with EPD’s of: BWWWYWMilkTM The EPD’s tell you that compared to the Breed Avg. your bull is going to have calves that are going to be 1.3 pounds heavier at birth ( ). Calves that are 8 pounds heavier at weaning, and 14 pounds heavier at Yrlg, and your bull should have daughters that produce 3 pounds more milk than the average

Selection Quiz BWWWYWMilk Bull A: Bull B: Which Bull will you choose for Heifers? Which Bull will you choose for growth?

Cattle Auction using EPD’s  Students break into teams of two-Ranch Manager and the Ranch Owner  Students will get a loan from the Instructor to buy bulls (Do not show your loan to someone else, they may outbid you!)  Students will select bulls they want to buy based on the bulls phenotype (physical appearance) and genotype (genetic data)  Each Bull will be given a dollar amount based on their performance and semen sales—Only one Jackpot bull and one loser bull (If more teams than bulls let the teams partner up for shares of the remaining few bulls)

Charolais Bulls  Select these bulls to be bred to mature Angus Cows. The ranch is located in the Columbia Basin which utilizes wheat land straw and hay in the winter and mountain pastures in the summer. 85% of offspring will be sold/Retained through the Painted Hills Beef ® program that encourages choice grades. The top 15% of the heifer prospects will be sold for replacements in Colorado. Limited labor resources are available.

Bluegrass Montezuma

The Results  Bull 1Generates $20,000 for Ranch  Bull 2Generates $1500 for Ranch  Bull 3Generates $2500 for Ranch  Bull 4 Generates $3500 for Ranch  Bull 5Generates $500 for Ranch  Bull 6Generates $10,000 for Ranch  Bull 7Generates $75,000 for Ranch  Bull 8Generates $5, 000 for Ranch  Calculate Loss or Gain dollars generated - dollars spent