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BULL DEVELOPMENT
The bulls in this sale offering were weaned on August 1, 2017. The bulls have been on a low starch, high
roughage ration since weaning. The only corn that they have received is through the corn silage that made up a
strategic portion of their ration. With an early weaning date and target weights set early on, the bulls have been
able to be on a steady gain without ever really “pushing” them. This early weaning program has proven to be very
successful in our operation; in maintaining condition on the cows and stocking the pastures heavier with cows
without calves at side. The weight gaining performance that these bulls have demonstrated while being fed a very
basic ration really drives home the feed efficiency attributes that our herd is producing.
EPDS IN BASIC TERMS
EXPECTED PROGENY DIFFERENCE (EPD)
Calving Ease Direct (CED) -
A predictor of calving ease. The higher the number the greater the likely hood for
calving ease in the offspring.
Birth Weight EPD (BW) -
A predictor of birth weight. The higher the number the heavier the expected birth weight
should be in the offspring.
Weaning Weight EPD (WW) -
A predictor of weaning weight. The higher the number the heavier the expected
weaning weight should be in the offspring.
Yearling Weight EPD (YW) -
A predictor of yearling weight. The higher the number the heavier the expected yearling
weight should be in the offspring.
Scrotal Circumference EPD (SC) -
expressed in centimeters, is a predictor of the difference in transmitting ability
for scrotal size compared to that of other sires. The higher the number the larger the expected scrotal circumference
should be in the offspring of the animal.
Milk EPD -
A predictor of an animal’s genetic potential for milk production and mothering ability. The higher the
number the greater the genetic potential becomes for increased milk production and mothering ability.
Marbling EPD (Marb) -
A predictor of the amount of marbling in the meat. The higher the number the greater the
potential becomes for increased marbling in the meat. This has a direct influence on the quality of the meat and
carcass value of the animal.
Ribeye EPD (RE) -
A predictor of the size of the Ribeye area. The higher the number the greater the potential
becomes for a larger Ribeye area. Once again this has a direct influence on the quality of the meat and carcass value
of the animal.
$B (Beef Value) -
The $B is really a way to look at the animal as a whole because it uses both the potential post-
weaning performance and carcass quality traits of the animal in the calculations that determine the value. The higher
the number the more potential the animal has for an increased value at slaughter in terms of revenue generated.
Beef value really says it all because it is referring to the animals genetic potential to have increased gains post-
weaning combined with high carcass quality for an overall increased value.
