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Reaching genetic potential
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<blockquote data-quote="DiamondSCattleCo" data-source="post: 154322" data-attributes="member: 2862"><p>1) The way I understand EPDs that they are feed independent comparisons. So that weaning weight of +150 means that you should be able to attain 150 extra pounds on any type of feed, in comparison to the baseline, as long as the baseline is on the same type feed. I could definitely be wrong on this though.</p><p></p><p>3) I'm there already. I think the current quest for the 'highest WW EPD or YW EPD' is a waste of time. EPDs are a tool to aid in bull selection, but they are NOT your most important tool. When I select an animal I ask the owner what he fed the animal, then I look at the animals performance (and if possible, performance of the offspring). Then I make my own gauge on how that animal (and his offspring) will perform. I'll also never buy an animal from someone who feeds super high energy rations in an attempt to maximize gain. It burns the animal out, shortens the life span, and gives you absolutely no good idea how the animal will perform in real life circumstances. I look for high gainers that have been on grass, forage, and a little grain to round things out. If they gain good on that ration, then I know they're easy keepers with good efficiency and an ability to put some flesh on their bones. I also know that when their calves are put on a high energy finishing diet, they'll perform for whatever feedlot buys them. The same doesn't always hold for the animals who were performance indexed on high energy rations.</p><p></p><p>Quite frankly, I think the current EPD formula needs to be revisited, as I've seen far too many high EPD, high accuracy bulls and cows not perform anywhere near what the EPD says it will, and I've seen the opposite as well. My current bull has average EPDs, 70% accuracy, right even with the average, yet the performance on my calves is fantastic. Only average WW, but I'm getting 3.5 - 4.5 lbs/day growth on free choice hay and 8 lbs of oats per calf. The bull I had 3 years ago had top end EPDs. His sire was an Agribition grand champion. And the calves were the worst I ever had. Below average weaning weights and feedlot performance under 2lbs/day in some cases.</p><p></p><p>Rod</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="DiamondSCattleCo, post: 154322, member: 2862"] 1) The way I understand EPDs that they are feed independent comparisons. So that weaning weight of +150 means that you should be able to attain 150 extra pounds on any type of feed, in comparison to the baseline, as long as the baseline is on the same type feed. I could definitely be wrong on this though. 3) I'm there already. I think the current quest for the 'highest WW EPD or YW EPD' is a waste of time. EPDs are a tool to aid in bull selection, but they are NOT your most important tool. When I select an animal I ask the owner what he fed the animal, then I look at the animals performance (and if possible, performance of the offspring). Then I make my own gauge on how that animal (and his offspring) will perform. I'll also never buy an animal from someone who feeds super high energy rations in an attempt to maximize gain. It burns the animal out, shortens the life span, and gives you absolutely no good idea how the animal will perform in real life circumstances. I look for high gainers that have been on grass, forage, and a little grain to round things out. If they gain good on that ration, then I know they're easy keepers with good efficiency and an ability to put some flesh on their bones. I also know that when their calves are put on a high energy finishing diet, they'll perform for whatever feedlot buys them. The same doesn't always hold for the animals who were performance indexed on high energy rations. Quite frankly, I think the current EPD formula needs to be revisited, as I've seen far too many high EPD, high accuracy bulls and cows not perform anywhere near what the EPD says it will, and I've seen the opposite as well. My current bull has average EPDs, 70% accuracy, right even with the average, yet the performance on my calves is fantastic. Only average WW, but I'm getting 3.5 - 4.5 lbs/day growth on free choice hay and 8 lbs of oats per calf. The bull I had 3 years ago had top end EPDs. His sire was an Agribition grand champion. And the calves were the worst I ever had. Below average weaning weights and feedlot performance under 2lbs/day in some cases. Rod [/QUOTE]
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