Genomic Enhanced EPDs
Genomic results are a way to enhance predictability of current selection tools, to achieve
more accuracy on EPDs for younger animals, and to characterize genetics for traits where
it’s difficult to measure the animal’s own performance for the trait, such as carcass traits
in breeding stock or maternal traits in bulls. With the investment in genomic technology,
this means that in addition to the pedigree, performance and progeny information that are
used in the calculation and reporting of Angus EPDs, genomic test results have also been
incorporated into the EPD.
Genomic-enhanced EPDs (GE-EPDs) are important because they make use of the results
from the genomic, or DNA, test in addition to all other sources of information to provide
added accuracy and reliability to the animal’s EPD (Figure 1).
In fact, depending on
the trait, GE-EPDs on unproven animals have the same amount of accuracy
as if they had already sired 8-20 calves.
Figure 1. Information contributing to the GE-EPD
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Save time and money
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Get more accurate EPDs on bulls and females 2 to 4 years sooner
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Select superior young sires that will accelerate genetic improvement
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Identify sires to use for specific corrective mating situations
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More accurately select sires that excel in feedlot and carcass traits, especially marbling
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Choose bulls that can be confidently used on replacement heifers
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Customer confidence
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Make better bull buying decisions
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DNA testing is not affected by the environment
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Greater confidence in their seedstock supplier
Herd improvement is
accelerated when breeders
can more accurately
identify young individuals
with the best genetics.
