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<blockquote data-quote="DOC HARRIS" data-source="post: 549561" data-attributes="member: 1683"><p>Angus/Brangus-</p><p></p><p>I think that the term "Single Trait Selection" is sometimes misconstrued in it's strict interpretation. A beginning breeder in the business should certainly NOT select for one trait only! That is a formula for disaster. And when one's herd has been carefully molded and developed to a point of being what the breeder is attempting to do with it, - - - <strong>THEN</strong> is the time to REALLY concentrate on the selection processes - both in Bulls and females for replacement - either from one's own herd, or outside purchases. The <strong><em>perfect herd</em></strong>, (of which there is NO such thing) is now in the position of requiring extremely careful scrutiny in the selection processes - to PREVENT a mistake in <em>overlooking</em> a trait or characteristic that is already comfortably established in the breeding genetics of a herd - to avoid LOSING that trait - not in acquiring it in the first place. </p><p></p><p>In my opinion, THAT is why every producer should always avoid the single trait scenario. He must always be aware of what he has to avoid losing it. It would NOT be wrong to pick a single trait to improve your herd, but don't lose other traits by throwing out the baby with the bath water. You might have to LOWER your average herd milk EPD and increase your herd BW slightly to in order to improve Fertility and increase WW EPD's. Here you are working with at least four traits while attempting to improve Ribeye and Marbling. Throughout the entire scenario, you are juggling EPD's and Functional Traits like hot rocks. </p><p></p><p>Take a deep breath, and think MODERATION.</p><p></p><p>That is why <strong><em><u>BALANCE</u></em></strong> is the keyword.</p><p></p><p>Some breed associations have gone so far overboard (in my opinion) on certain "desirable" characteristics by establishing more and more EPD's that we find ourselves falling over our own feet trying to keep up with everything. You all know how strong a believer I am of EPD's, but, like everything else, they must be managed with moderation and intelligence, and carefully utilized with Phenotype selection and Functional Traits to procure and harvest, if you will, the rewards that proper breeding management will provide.</p><p></p><p>With EVERYTHING that the cattle producer requires in order to operate his business going out of sight insofar as costs are concerned, it is absolutely incumbent and mandatory that we do everything possible to increase our profits and reduce expenses.</p><p></p><p>DOC HARRIS</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="DOC HARRIS, post: 549561, member: 1683"] Angus/Brangus- I think that the term "Single Trait Selection" is sometimes misconstrued in it's strict interpretation. A beginning breeder in the business should certainly NOT select for one trait only! That is a formula for disaster. And when one's herd has been carefully molded and developed to a point of being what the breeder is attempting to do with it, - - - [b]THEN[/b] is the time to REALLY concentrate on the selection processes - both in Bulls and females for replacement - either from one's own herd, or outside purchases. The [b][i]perfect herd[/i][/b], (of which there is NO such thing) is now in the position of requiring extremely careful scrutiny in the selection processes - to PREVENT a mistake in [i]overlooking[/i] a trait or characteristic that is already comfortably established in the breeding genetics of a herd - to avoid LOSING that trait - not in acquiring it in the first place. In my opinion, THAT is why every producer should always avoid the single trait scenario. He must always be aware of what he has to avoid losing it. It would NOT be wrong to pick a single trait to improve your herd, but don't lose other traits by throwing out the baby with the bath water. You might have to LOWER your average herd milk EPD and increase your herd BW slightly to in order to improve Fertility and increase WW EPD's. Here you are working with at least four traits while attempting to improve Ribeye and Marbling. Throughout the entire scenario, you are juggling EPD's and Functional Traits like hot rocks. Take a deep breath, and think MODERATION. That is why [b][i][u]BALANCE[/u][/i][/b] is the keyword. Some breed associations have gone so far overboard (in my opinion) on certain "desirable" characteristics by establishing more and more EPD's that we find ourselves falling over our own feet trying to keep up with everything. You all know how strong a believer I am of EPD's, but, like everything else, they must be managed with moderation and intelligence, and carefully utilized with Phenotype selection and Functional Traits to procure and harvest, if you will, the rewards that proper breeding management will provide. With EVERYTHING that the cattle producer requires in order to operate his business going out of sight insofar as costs are concerned, it is absolutely incumbent and mandatory that we do everything possible to increase our profits and reduce expenses. DOC HARRIS [/QUOTE]
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