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EPD's vs Actual Weights
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<blockquote data-quote="OldCowhand" data-source="post: 1223073" data-attributes="member: 23386"><p>I have never had much faith in EPDs because they are a calculated, comparative estimate based on base premise that if you test across enough herds you eliminate management and environment. I don' accept that premise.</p><p></p><p>Actual performance indexed against herd average is a far better indicator IMHO. A bull with 105 weaning index is 5% above the average in that herd and a bull with 115 is 15% above the average. An animal with average performance in my herd is likely to have average performance in yours - barring significant differences in management. I think you can compare in herd indexes between herds with as much or more confidence than using EPDs.</p><p></p><p>You also have to familiarize yourself with the management of the herd of origin. Irrigated alfalfa, irrigated pastures, heavy grin feeding all impact those average values. Animals that come from similar programs to yours will do better in your program.</p><p></p><p>The Animal Scientists argue that in herd performance can easily be manipulated to favor one or more individuals. However, EPDs are based upon the credibility and integrity of the breeders submitting accurate data. I know with certainty that there are and have been so called reputable breeders (in many breeds) who never owned a set of scales, but submitted birth weaning and yearling weights to their breed's genetic evaluation programs. How much value is there in those EPDs?</p><p></p><p>Consider EPDs and in herd indexing, both with a grain of salt. Learn what works for you and look for genetic sources of integrity and honesty.</p><p></p><p>Just my thoughts.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="OldCowhand, post: 1223073, member: 23386"] I have never had much faith in EPDs because they are a calculated, comparative estimate based on base premise that if you test across enough herds you eliminate management and environment. I don' accept that premise. Actual performance indexed against herd average is a far better indicator IMHO. A bull with 105 weaning index is 5% above the average in that herd and a bull with 115 is 15% above the average. An animal with average performance in my herd is likely to have average performance in yours - barring significant differences in management. I think you can compare in herd indexes between herds with as much or more confidence than using EPDs. You also have to familiarize yourself with the management of the herd of origin. Irrigated alfalfa, irrigated pastures, heavy grin feeding all impact those average values. Animals that come from similar programs to yours will do better in your program. The Animal Scientists argue that in herd performance can easily be manipulated to favor one or more individuals. However, EPDs are based upon the credibility and integrity of the breeders submitting accurate data. I know with certainty that there are and have been so called reputable breeders (in many breeds) who never owned a set of scales, but submitted birth weaning and yearling weights to their breed's genetic evaluation programs. How much value is there in those EPDs? Consider EPDs and in herd indexing, both with a grain of salt. Learn what works for you and look for genetic sources of integrity and honesty. Just my thoughts. [/QUOTE]
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