DENVER, Colo.— Expected progeny differences (EPDs) from the fall 2011 International Limousin Genetic Evaluation are now available through various features of the North American Limousin Foundation (NALF) website (www.nalf.org).
Records
The EPDs represent more than 2 million pedigree and performance records for Limousin-based cattle in the United States and Canada. The Limousin breed’s EPDs were calculated by Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI).
AGI conducted analysis for EPD accuracies for birth, weaning and yearling weights; milking ability; scrotal circumference; and provided the analysis for reproductive traits; docility and carcass traits.
Since AGI conducted NALF’s evaluation, using improved hereditary ties to Angus seedstock, genetic predictions for Lim-Flex animals are the most timely and reliable of any for Angus-influenced hybrid seedstock.
“No other multibreed genetic evaluation in the world more thoroughly incorporates performance information from two populations of animals as does AGI’s work with NALF,” said Mark Anderson, executive director for the foundation.
Mating decisions
In addition to EPDs for 13 economically relevant traits, NALF’s evaluation included its Mainstream Terminal Index ($MTI), which simplifies mating decisions by ranking animals for expected net economic merit through simultaneous consideration of many traits.
“Utilizing EPDs in making herd improvement selections is important because it provides added-value by eliminating part of the guessing game that comes with the purchase of your new herd addition,” Anderson said. “Our semiannual evaluations provide Limousin breeders and their commercial customers with helpful selection tools for genetic improvement.”
Tools on the NALF website that interface with the genetic evaluation include the Sire Selector and Animal Search. The site’s “Genetics & Performance” section includes the latest EPD statistics, percentiles, trends and trait leaders.
