- 14 -
Marbling is a measure of the marbling score of a bull’s progeny. It is a subjective measure of %
intramuscular fat. Higher EPDs mean higher marbling scores.
Fat Thickness, in inches, measures the fat thickness at the 12th rib of the bull’s progeny. Higher
EPDs mean greater fat thickness.
Ribeye Area, in square inches. Higher EPDs mean a larger ribeye area.
Yield Grade is a measure of the relative proportion of closely trimmed, boneless retail cuts from
the bull’s progeny. Higher EPDs mean higher yield grades, and thus a lower proportion of retail
cuts.
Percent Retail Cuts is a measure of the percentage of closely trimmed, boneless retail cuts from
the bull’s progeny. Higher EPDs mean a higher percentage of retail cuts.
$ Indexes
These are multi-trait selection indexes, which combine EPDs for several traits into a single
economic value, which can be used to make selection decisions. The index values are interpreted like
EPDs; the difference in index value between two bulls is the expected difference in average dollar value
of their progeny, when the bulls are bred to similar cows. Typical beef production and economic values
are used in calculating the indexes. Indexes are expressed in dollars per head, and higher indexes mean a
higher dollar value per head. An index value only has meaning when it is compared to the index value of
another animal of the same breed. Currently, indexes are calculated for Angus, Gelbvieh, Hereford,
Limousin, Simmental, and SimAngus bulls.
Angus $W is Weaned Calf Value. This is the expected average of future progeny for preweaning
performance, within a typical beef cowherd. It accounts for the economic impact of birth weight,
weaning weight, maternal milk, and mature cow size.
Angus $F is Feedlot Value. This is the expected average of future progeny for postweaning
feedlot performance.
Angus $QG is Quality Grade. This is the quality grade segment of $G. The carcass Marbling and
ultrasound % Intramuscular Fat EPDs contribute to $QG.
Angus $YG is Yield Grade. This is the yield grade segment of $G. It combines ribeye, fat
thickness, and weight into an economic value for red meat yield.
Angus $G is Grid Value. This is the expected average of future progeny for carcass grid merit. It
combines $QG and $YG, so it focuses on quality and red meat yield simultaneously.
Angus $B is Beef Value. This is the expected average of future progeny for postweaning
performance and carcass value. The $B value combines information from $F and $G.
Gelbvieh CV is Carcass Value. This is the expected average carcass value of future progeny
when sold on a grid. It incorporates carcass weight, yield grade, and quality grade information.
Gelbvieh FM is Feedlot Merit. This is the expected average of future progeny for postweaning
feedlot performance.
Hereford BMI$ is Baldy Maternal Index. This is the expected average performance of progeny
of Hereford bulls used in rotational crossbreeding programs on Angus-based cows and heifers,
with the progeny marketed on a Certified Hereford Beef LLC pricing grid.
Hereford CEZ$ is Calving Ease Index. This is similar to BMI$, except that the bulls are mated
only to yearling heifers. It has increased emphasis on calving ease.
