Balancing Novel and Proven Applications for Female Selection
In Ken Stewart’s opinion, expected progeny difference (EPD) values are the most valuable selection tool. He advised use of EPDs to optimize rather than maximize production.
Stewart is manager of Rollins Ranches, which grazes 10,000 cows at four Florida locations, using Red Angus, Gelbvieh and Charolais genetics. He emphasized the importance of selecting genetics that are well-adapted to the environment.
“Cattle must fit the environment. I’m unaware of an instance where it is cost-effective to make the environment fit the cattle,” stated Stewart. “I believe in raising your own replacement females. If you’re going to buy them, purchase heifers from a single source — one where you have the ability to evaluate the cow herd and know they would work in your own environment.”
In Stewart’s opinion, expected progeny difference (EPD) values are the most valuable selection tool. He advised use of EPDs to optimize rather than maximize production. Selection indices are another tool he uses as a way to evaluate a blend of useful genetic traits. He also selects on the basis of phenotype, but avoids extremes. While not currently used at Rollins Ranches, Stewart sees value in DNA testing and may apply it to selection of commercial cattle in the future.
“Every sire we use is DNA-tested, but that’s no reason to abandon (progeny) performance testing,” said C.J. Blew. “We collect performance data. The challenge is to manage it. We’re seeking help with that and hope to establish in-herd EPDs.”
The managing partner in his family’s commercial Red Angus operation, C.J. Blew also retains home-raised heifers as replacements, emphasizing selection for type, quality and functionality. He told the symposium audience that heifer selection really begins with sire selection. Blew also uses selection indices, but he advised fellow producers to know what traits are included in an index, along with how the traits are weighted in its calculation. In contrast to Rollins Ranch, Blew does use DNA testing.
“Every sire we use is DNA-tested, but that’s no reason to abandon (progeny) performance testing,” he said. “We collect performance data. The challenge is to manage it. We’re seeking help with that and hope to establish in-herd EPDs.”
Blew cautioned other producers against using too few selection tools, or relying too heavily on any particular tool.
The 2015 BIF Annual Convention was hosted by Mississippi State University and the Mississippi Extension Service June 9-12 at the Beau Rivage Casino and Hotel in Biloxi. The Angus Journal and LiveAuctions.tv provide comprehensive online coverage of the event at www.BIFconference.com. Visit the Newsroom for summaries, proceedings, PowerPoints and audio of the sessions; the Awards page for announcements of award winners; and the Photos page for photo galleries of the tour stops.
Editor’s Note: This summary was written under contract or by staff of the Angus Journal®. Through an agreement with the Beef Improvement Federation, we are encouraging reprinting of the articles to those who will adhere to the reprint guidelines available on this site. Please review those guidelines or contact Shauna Rose Hermel, editor, at 816-383-5270. PowerPoints are posted with permission of the presenter and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express permission of the presenter.
The Angus Journal's coverage of the event is made possible through collaboration with BIF and sponsorship of LiveAuctions.tv. For questions about this site, or to notify us of broken links, click here. Look for additional coverage in the Angus Journal, the Angus Beef Bulletin, the Angus Journal Daily, the Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA and Angus TV.
