|
and
import markets continue to open, there is still concern about the
increased cost of energy leading to a decrease in beef consumption. An
increased cost in feedlot production due to transportation and higher
grain prices are also leading to speculation that cattle prices will
continue to decrease. While brood cow producers are still profitable,
the record profits over the last few years may well be over.
With
this in mind, we now need to consider management practices that will
help us produce the type of cattle that the market place demands. These
types of cattle will also top the market and will assure you the most
return on your investment.
I
have talked with several producers over the past couple of weeks that
are in the market for a bull. With production sales starting soon, I
though it would be a good idea to look at several considerations when
making a decision on what bull to purchase.
The
first consideration is breed selection. What bull will best match my
herd to produce a desirable offspring? Another consideration will be the
overall appearance of the bull including muscle, structural correctness,
disposition and overall appearance. When you have evaluated potential
herd bulls on these attributes, it remains imperative that you also
evaluate the bull on genetic potential to improve the overall quality of
your herd.
With
this in mind, let’s look at characteristics that are available for you
to evaluate through Expected Progeny Differences (EPD). EPD is the
difference of a bull’s progeny when compared to the average progeny
performance of all bulls evaluated. EPDs are reported in pounds and
other units of measurement and are directly comparable across all herds
within a breed, but not across breeds. The following are common
measurements that you can utilize when selecting the very best bull for
your herd:
Birth
Weight EPD (BW): Calf weight at birth adjusted to a mature dam
equivalent. Birth Weight EPD predicts the difference in average birth
weight of bulls calves compared to calves of all other bulls evaluated.
Example: Bull A has a Birth Weight EPD of 3 while Bull B has a Birth
Weight EPD of -1. This means that Bull A should produce calves on
average that are 4 pounds heavier at birth than Bull B.
Weaning
Weight EPD (WW): Predicts the difference in average adjusted 205-day
weight of a bull’s calves compared to calves of all other bulls
evaluated. Example: Bull A has a WW of 20 while Bull B has a WW of 30.
This means that Bull B should wean calves that on average will be 10
pounds heavier that those calves produced from Bull A.
Milk
or Maternal EPD (MK): Predicts the difference in average 205-day
weight of a bull’s daughter’s calves (due to milking ability)
compared to calves of all bulls evaluated. Note: This is pounds of calf
weaning weight and not pounds of milk.
Scrotal
Circumference EPD (SC): Predict the difference in yearling scrotal
circumference (measured in centimeters) of a bull’s male calves
compared to male calves of other bulls evaluated. There is a direct
correlation between scrotal circumference and heifer maturity.
Ribeye
Area EPD (REA): Expressed in inches, is a predictor of the
differences in ribeye area of the sires progeny compared to progeny of
other sires. Example: Bull A has a ribeye area of 12.5 while Bull B has
a ribeye area of 14. This means that Bull B should produce calves on
average that has a ribeye area that is 1.5 inches greater than Bull A.
The larger the ribeye area the greater amount of muscle that should be
in the bull.
Fat
Thickness EPD (BFAT): Expressed in inches, is a predictor of the
differences in external fat 12th rib (as measured between the 12th &
13th ribs) of a sire’s progeny compared to progeny of other sires.
Marbling
Score EPD (Marb): Can be used to select sires that will produce
progeny with more marbling at a constant fat or age endpoint. The higher
the marbling score EPD, the higher the amount of intramuscular fat in
the ribeye. The genetic correlation between marbling score and external
backfat at the 12th rib is zero. This means breeders can select for
increased marbling and not have to worry about selecting for increased
external fat. Intramuscular fat plays a small role in tenderness of
beef. It is a significant component of juiciness and flavor of the beef
product.
Ultrasound
Body Composition EPDs are measured through the use of ultrasound
equipment.
Intramuscular
Fat (% IMF): A predictor of the difference in a sire’s progeny for
percent intramuscular fat in the ribeye muscle compared to an average
sire.
Ribeye
Area (UREA): A predictor of the difference in square inches of
ribeye area of a sire’s progeny compared to the progeny of an average
sire.
Fat
Thickness EPD (UFAT): Expressed in inches, is a predictor of the
difference in ultrasound fat thickness at the 12th rib of a sire’s
progeny compared to the progeny of other sires. It includes the weighted
average of 60% of the rib fat measurement and 40% of the rump fat
measurement
Percent
Retail Product (%RP): A predictor of the difference in pounds of
saleable retail product of a sire’s progeny compared to the progeny of
an average sire.
I
hope that an explanation of information that will be available to you on
sale day will assist in helping you to select the very best bull for
your operation
I
have several beef producer meetings scheduled through local Co-op stores
over the next couple of months. I look forward to seeing you at one of
these meetings as we discuss winter feeding options. If I can assist you
in any manner, please contact me at jimmyh@alafarm.com.
Jimmy
Hughes is AFC’s animal nutritionist.
|
