$en

[cross_7]

When selecting a terminal sire is $en a factor ?
How much of a factor when retaining heifers ?

 

[Lucky_P]

Terminal, no.
If breeding for replacement heifers, I look at it, and prefer a value over +$10, but a negative $EN is not a deal-breaker if the bull brings what I want to the table.
In my experience, most high positive $EN bulls are going to downsize frame &/or tend toward lower WW - not what my farm manager wants.

 

[bse]

i use EPDs as a tool but EN is way down on my list i dont even consider it, if all you want is positive EN you give up other stuff. its like lucky P said you usually downsize doing that but there are some exeptions if EN is all your looking for there out there.

 

[Isomade]

Terminal- there is absolutely no reason to even look at it.
Maternal- absolutely look at it. However it is mostly tied to milk production. If I find 2-3 bulls at a sale I really like that match the range of EPDs I am looking for, and are very close in phenotype $EN will be the deciding factor.