Understanding the Numbers

Index Values

$Value Index EPDs are multi trait selection indices, expressed in dollars per head. Many EPDs and traits are combined to create these individual values. The represent an estimate of how a bull’s future progeny will perform, on average, in comparison to those of other sires.

$M – Maternal Weaned Calf Value predicts profitability differences from conception to weaning. $M assumes that individuals retain their own replacement females. Traits included are as follows: calving ease direct, calving ease maternal, weaning weight, milk, heifer pregnancy, docility, mature cow weight, claw set and foot angle.

$W – Weaned Calf Value predicts profitability differences in progeny due to genetics from birth to weaning. The underlying objective being producers will retain 20% of the female progeny as replacements.

$W assumes sale at weaning of the rest of the heifers and all the steers feeder calves. Traits included are birth weight, weaning weight, milk, and mature cow weight.

$B – Beef Value is a terminal index, expressed in dollars per carcass, to predict profitability differences in progeny due to genetics for postweaning and carcass traits. Assumes retained ownership and carcass grid. Traits included in the index are yearling weight, dry-matter intake, marbling, carcass weight, ribeye area and fat.

$C – Combined Value an index, expressed in dollars per head, which includes all traits that make up both Maternal Weaned Calf Value ($M) and Beef Value ($B) with the objective that commercial producers will replace 20% of their breeding females per year with replacement heifers retained within their own herd. The remaining cull heifer and steer progeny are then assumed to be sent to the feedlot.

$C Assumes retained ownership and selling all steers and cull heifers on a quality-based carcass merit grid.

Performance Data

The entire Lyons Ranch cowherd is enrolled in MaternalPlus through the American Angus Association. MaternalPlus is a whole herd reporting program requiring the collection and sharing of more data, including disposal and stayability codes. The goal of the program is to identify true fertility and longevity, among other traits. We are anxious to see what further information we can learn.

BW

The actual weight of the bull weighed on the day of his birth.

WW

The bull’s weight adjusted to 205 days of age.

Actual WT, SC

12/3 WT- Actual Weight on December 3, 2022.

12/3 SC – Actual Scrotal Circumference on December 3, 2022.

Within the Lyons Ranch cowherd Nursing Ratio or NR is the average weaning weight ratio of all the calves that a bull’s dam has raised to weaning. The ratios are only calculated within our herd, therefore, you cannot compare ratios between breeders. We think the NR is an indicator of good mothering and milk, as well as performance.

It takes years to measure the impact of a single cow and know how good she can be. NR helps us to compare and is an indication of how a cow performed next to her sisters in our herd.