Texas Adapted Genetic Strategies for Beef Cattle VIII: Expected Progeny Difference – EPD
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Overview
When evaluating prospective breeding animals, it is helpful to have an estimate of their genetic transmitting potential. For most production traits, this estimate is best calculated using records of performance. The first performance records of beef cattle were primarily weights or weight gains measured at weaning or as yearlings. Sound comparisons of individuals were often impossible because of animal and management differences. Standard adjustments were developed for calf age, sex, and age of dam, but there were no good ways to adjust for differences in management, nutrition, location, season, and year. So the comparisons had to be limited to animals managed alike in a contemporary group. (7 pages)
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