Advancements in Genetic Prediction
Across-Breed EPD Tables for the Year 2009 Adjusted to Breed Differences for Birth Year of 2007
Abstract:
Since 1989, records from the Germplasm Evaluation (GPE) project at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC) have been used to derive adjustment factors that allow comparison of the genetic merit of animals in different breeds. Factors are derived by adjusting estimates of breed differences from data at USMARC to the average expected progeny difference (EPD) of bulls sampled in the GPE project. This year these factors are adjusted to the 2007 nonparent EPD average of each breed in the program.
To use the factors, producers must simply add the factor to the EPD calculated by each breed association in individual analyses. For example, an EPD of a Charolais bull can be equitably compared to an EPD of a Gelbvieh bull by adding the respective breed adjustment factor to each bull’s EPD.
The adjustment factors are useful to commercial producers who may wish to compare the genetic merit of bulls from more than one breed in crossbreeding programs. The results of this report are presented at the annual meeting of the Beef Improvement Federation.
Adjustment factors are calculated on growth and milk traits for 18 different breeds (Angus, Beefmaster, Brahman, Brangus, Braunvieh, Charolais, Chi-Angus, Gelbvieh, Hereford, Limousin, Maine-Anjou, Red Angus, Salers, Santa Gertrudis, Shorthorn, Simmental, South Devon and Tarentaise). The adjustments are calculated for birth, weaning and yearling weight, maternal milk and carcass traits (marbling, ribeye area, fat depth).
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Editor’s Note: The above material is provided by and posted with permission of the Beef Improvement Federation. Please direct reprint requests to BIF via the “Contact BIF” page at www.beefimprovement.org.
