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Poducer meaning of animals1/24/2024 The phenomena of Mendelian sampling arises due to the fact that each parent passes a sample half of its alleles to its offspring and every allele has an equal likelihood of being passed on. Where EPD I is the EPD for some individual I, EPD S is the EPD for the sire of animal I, EPD D is the EPD for the dam of animal I. Pedigree estimate + animal record: EPD I = (0.5*EPD S ) + (0.5*EPD D ) + (0.5 *Mendelian Sampling Effect) During a genetic evaluation, all pedigree information would be included. Prior to a National Cattle Evaluation (NCE), animals are given interim EPDs. As additional sources of information become available, the accuracy of the EPD value increases. EPDs incorporate multiple sources of information, including full pedigree, an animal’s own record, genomic data, and progeny information. EPDs provide a measure by which animals within a breed can be compared to one another for their genetic potential as parents for specific traits. Too often seedstock producers and bull buyers get caught up in the actual weights, ultrasound data, etc., when selecting sires. However, some producers are still reluctant to rely on EPDs when making selection decisions presumably because of a general lack of understanding of how EPDs are derived and their interpretation. EPDs have existed in the beef industry for decades and their use has produced intended genetic change in many traits. IntroductionĮxpected Progeny Differences (EPDs) allow for the comparison of animals within a breed for their genetic potential as parents for a given trait. It is critical to understand how to interpret EPDs and to know breed averages, and be able to use percentile ranks in order to identify potential sires that fit the desired breeding objective. If selection is based on nongenetic factors, as is the case when selecting on actual or adjusted measurements instead of EPDs or economic indexes, then an inefficiency is automatically built into the cow/calf enterprise. While most producers think of increasing the economic efficiency of their operation by changing management systems (i.e., grazing schemes, calving dates, etc.) or utilizing different nutritional programs, the importance of correct genetic selection is all too often overlooked. Studies have shown that using EPDs are seven to nine times more effective than selecting based on actual phenotypes. EPD Basics and Definitions Matthew Spangler University of Nebraska, Lincoln here for printable pdf version.ĮPDs represent the genetic component of an animal’s phenotype that is expected to be passed on to the next generation.
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