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FOCUS - on 'Milk' Selection
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<blockquote data-quote="DOC HARRIS" data-source="post: 975451" data-attributes="member: 1683"><p>Many of the replies to this thread have focused on the <strong><em>direct</em></strong> results of <strong>Milk</strong> EPD's. My intention in introducing this subject was to stimulate the collective thinking <strong><u>past</u></strong> the immediate consummation and/or repercussions of <strong>"Single Trait Selection"</strong> protocols for Milk production. The majority of responses here seem to be concentrating of the ultimate goal of 'Milk Production' for maximum progeny growth. This is a praiseworthy objective and justifiable purpose - however most remarks have been overlooking the "side-effects", or "benefits", if you will, of Milk EPD's as merely a number to be manipulated and exploited as a "Single Trait" selection factor. As seemingly commendable as 'high milk production' may be perceived, along with the intense selection for femininity traits, this persistent tendency of higher and higher milk EPD's along with lower and lower calving ease characterisitcs may result in cows that lack muscle, capacity and reduced hind quarter structure - in other words - <strong>"Funnel-Butts!"</strong>. </p><p></p><p>Another negative 'side-effect' of lower calving ease EPD's (culminating from higher Milk EPD's) may be increased calving difficulties in replacement heifers due to reduced pelvic area in later progeny. Ignoring the <strong><u>Balancing</u></strong> of mating protocols over time can be denounced as the determinate cause of loss of musculture of hind quarters, reduced bone density, and increased energy requirements leading to higher feed costs. Even during periods of non-lactation (not nursing a calf), energy demands remain higher for cows with increased milk potential. Give this some thought; selecting for above average milk EPD's may increase weaning weight, but you need to realize the increased nutrient demand of these animals - cows AND calves. Increasing milk without an increase in nutrients may ultimately result in <em>decreased </em> productivity.</p><p></p><p>robert and Ned, Jr. have seen beyond the immediate "milk factor" in their summations, and are looking at the potential "side-effects" that heifer milk production will promote in our <strong>BEEF</strong> cattle! The one factor that I persist in stressing with the breeders that I talk to is - <strong>BALANCE - BALANCE - BALANCE</strong> of ALL cogent EPD's and genomic-enhanced characteristics.</p><p></p><p>Particularly important in the consideration of EPD's and the balancing of all traits and characteristics in <strong><em>CROSS BREEDING</em></strong> Programs is utilizing the "Across Breed EPD Tables" - which change each and every year. In Cross Breeding protocols, BALANCE is absolutely imperative if one is to expect the maximum benefits of heterosis!</p><p></p><p>Thank you all for your contributions and input to this thread. I trust the information presented here will help us all to understand that "Multiple Trait Selection" protocols is the only way that continuing breeding improvement can be expected and realized in today's tighter management regimens. In the final analysis, <strong>PROFIT</strong> is the bottom line!+</p><p></p><p>- - - And - a Very Merry Christmas to ALl of You! :santa: :wave: </p><p></p><p>DOC HARRIS</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="DOC HARRIS, post: 975451, member: 1683"] Many of the replies to this thread have focused on the [b][i]direct[/i][/b] results of [b]Milk[/b] EPD's. My intention in introducing this subject was to stimulate the collective thinking [b][u]past[/u][/b] the immediate consummation and/or repercussions of [b]"Single Trait Selection"[/b] protocols for Milk production. The majority of responses here seem to be concentrating of the ultimate goal of 'Milk Production' for maximum progeny growth. This is a praiseworthy objective and justifiable purpose - however most remarks have been overlooking the "side-effects", or "benefits", if you will, of Milk EPD's as merely a number to be manipulated and exploited as a "Single Trait" selection factor. As seemingly commendable as 'high milk production' may be perceived, along with the intense selection for femininity traits, this persistent tendency of higher and higher milk EPD's along with lower and lower calving ease characterisitcs may result in cows that lack muscle, capacity and reduced hind quarter structure - in other words - [b]"Funnel-Butts!"[/b]. Another negative 'side-effect' of lower calving ease EPD's (culminating from higher Milk EPD's) may be increased calving difficulties in replacement heifers due to reduced pelvic area in later progeny. Ignoring the [b][u]Balancing[/u][/b] of mating protocols over time can be denounced as the determinate cause of loss of musculture of hind quarters, reduced bone density, and increased energy requirements leading to higher feed costs. Even during periods of non-lactation (not nursing a calf), energy demands remain higher for cows with increased milk potential. Give this some thought; selecting for above average milk EPD's may increase weaning weight, but you need to realize the increased nutrient demand of these animals - cows AND calves. Increasing milk without an increase in nutrients may ultimately result in [i]decreased [/i] productivity. robert and Ned, Jr. have seen beyond the immediate "milk factor" in their summations, and are looking at the potential "side-effects" that heifer milk production will promote in our [b]BEEF[/b] cattle! The one factor that I persist in stressing with the breeders that I talk to is - [b]BALANCE - BALANCE - BALANCE[/b] of ALL cogent EPD's and genomic-enhanced characteristics. Particularly important in the consideration of EPD's and the balancing of all traits and characteristics in [b][i]CROSS BREEDING[/i][/b] Programs is utilizing the "Across Breed EPD Tables" - which change each and every year. In Cross Breeding protocols, BALANCE is absolutely imperative if one is to expect the maximum benefits of heterosis! Thank you all for your contributions and input to this thread. I trust the information presented here will help us all to understand that "Multiple Trait Selection" protocols is the only way that continuing breeding improvement can be expected and realized in today's tighter management regimens. In the final analysis, [b]PROFIT[/b] is the bottom line!+ - - - And - a Very Merry Christmas to ALl of You! :santa: :wave: DOC HARRIS [/QUOTE]
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