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How to improve your herd
There are many different aspects to consider when choosing desirable traits on how to advance your herd. Maternal Values you should consider when choosing animals that will be kept as replacement heifers or herd bulls.
The Seven EPD’s to Consider for Maternal Traits
- Calving Ease Direct- expressed in differences in percentages of unassisted births along with higher value indicating greater calving ease in first calf heifers.
- Birth Weight- expressed in pounds and predicted by a sires ability to transmit birth weight to his progeny compared to that of other sires.
- Weaning Weight-expressed in pounds and used to predict the sires ability to transmit weaning growth of his progeny
- Residual Average Daily Gain- expressed in pounds per day, it predicts a sires genetic ability for post weaning gain in future progeny compared to other sires when you take into account the amount of feed being consumed.
- Scrotal Circumference- a measurement based in centimeters and it is a predictor of the difference in transmitting scrotal size when compared to other bulls within the breed
- Maternal Milk EPD this is a predictor of a sires genetic ability for milk production and the mothering ability as expressed in his daughters.
- Docility is crucial when retaining both heifers and bulls. Docility is expressed as a difference in yearling cattle temperament with a higher value indicating a more favorable docility.
What to Consider When Looking for Steers
- What is your end goal?
- What is your budget?
- Is this the breeder to buy from?
Benefits of Farm to Table Beef
- Known Origin
- Different Taste
- Customer Service
