Association Commentary: EPD Fatigue – Don’t Let It Slow Your Progress

3. Decide on Acceptability Ranges

When selecting breeding bulls, defining EPD acceptability ranges is very important. For example, suppose one of your primary goals is to position your herd’s genetics in the top half of the Red Angus breed for both growth traits and stayability. Bulls that do not meet these requirements are immediately rejected, which makes decision making easier.

4. Find the Help You May Need

If you decide the best way to avoid EPD fatigue is to talk with knowledgeable seedstock breeders and/or RAAA personnel, you have made a good decision. Make a phone call or two with the key questions you have in mind. The Red Angus community is standing ready to help. They will be able to answer your questions quickly and in an easily understood manner.

5. Don’t Forget About Phenotype

EPDs are important, because they are the best tool available for under- standing an animal’s genetics for a wide variety of traits. Phenotype and structure are equally important. The best Red Angus bulls in the breed offer an appealing combination of great EPD and index values, plus a desirable phenotype that includes excellent feet, structural soundness and a good disposition.

As a final note, it helps to remember that EPDs do an admirable job characterizing many of the important traits that drive your bottom line. Selecting for added profit through superior EPDs and indexes is key to your operation’s success.

That’s why EPDs matters, and why it’s worth some effort to overcome even a hint of EPD fatigue that may creep into your thinking. //