For more information on EPDs, visit redangus.org.
HB
...... HerdBuilder Index – Need bulls for developing a profitable
cowherd and maximizing the value of marketed progeny? Select a bull
with a high HB value.
GM
...... GridMaster Index – If you market all of your calf crop and want
to increase the value of that calf crop, select a bull with a high GM value
to maximize your profit.
CED
..... Calving Ease Direct – Breeding Heifers? Select bulls with
a high CED to increase the probability that the heifers will calve
unassisted.
BW
...... Birth Weight – Predicts differences in birth weight. BW is
included in the CED EPD, so simplify your decisions by selecting bulls
based on CED instead of BW.
WW
..... Weaning Weight and
YW
....Y earling Weight – Predicts
differences in weight at weaning and yearling. While selection based on
these growth measures can increase your payweight, be cautious what
the bull’s other EPDs are.
Milk
.... Milk – Predicts differences in weaning weight of daughter’s
progeny due to milk production.
ME
...... Maintenance Energy – Selecting bulls with a lower ME EPD will
decrease the amount of feed his daughters will require to maintain body
weight.
HPG
..... Heifer Pregnancy – Retaining heifers? Select bulls with a high
HPG to increase the percentage of exposures that result in a calving
observation.
CEM
.... Calving Ease Maternal – Another number to pay attention to if
you are retaining heifers. Selecting bulls with a high CEM will increase
the probability of those daughters calving unassisted.
STAY
.... Stayability – The most important trait if your goal is developing
cows that stay productive, thus increasing your profitability. Bulls
that have a high Stay EPD are expected to sire daughters that remain
productive in the herd until at least 6 years of age.
MARB
.. Marbling Score – Select bulls with high MARB EPD to increase
the number of progeny that grade Choice or Prime.
YG
...... Yield Grade – Marketing calves on a grid? Placing selection
pressure on YG EPD will decrease the number of YG discounts on grid-
marketed progeny.
CW
...... Carcasss Weight – Selecting bulls with a high CW EPD will
increase the weight of the hanging carcass, which directly impacts
revenue.
REA
..... Rib Eye Area – Need to add muscle? Select bulls with a high
REA EPD to increase rib eye area, which favorably increases Yield
Grade.
FAT
..... Backfat – Need to reduce waste in carcasses? Select bulls
with a low FAT EPD to reduce backfat, which favorably increases Yield
Grade.
Red Angus Guide to EPDs
