New Gelbvieh EPDs User Friendly for Commercial Producers

(Gelbvieh World February 1999)

The new Gelbvieh EPD base is a blended-breed base that reflects the typical commercial animal. Cattle producers can now more readily see the value of Gelbvieh genetics.

Experienced EPD users realize that it is incorrect to compare the EPDs of two animals from different breeds. The reality is, however, that many commercial cattlemen select bulls based on across-breed EPD comparisons. The new Gelbvieh EPD base will allow producers to compare their animals to a typical commercial animal, which is an appropriate point of reference.

Two components comprise the Gelbvieh EPD base modification. These include moving to a blended-breed base and the establishment of a foundation Gelbvieh sire base.

The new blended-breed base was developed from the 1997 Meat Animal Research Center (MARC) across breed EPD adjustment factors. In the United States many commercial cows are crossbred and include some Continental breeding, some British breeding, and some bos indicus (Brahman) influence. The blended base can be thought of as representing an animal that is 25% Gelbvieh, 25% Angus, 25% Hereford, and 25% Brahman.

In addition, a foundation Gelbvieh sire base was established. This foundation sire group represents a fixed genetic base from which all genetic progress in the Gelbvieh breed can be measured. Fifty-seven Gelbvieh bulls born prior to 1974 who have a Weaning Weight EPD Accuracy of 0.65 or greater were selected. The EPDs of these bulls were forced to average zero prior to blended-base adjustments for all traits except Calving Ease and Daughters Calving ease, which were forced to average 100.

It is important to realize that the difference between the EPDs of two Gelbvieh animals will remain exactly the same under the new base as under the traditional base. The adjustments that resulted in the new base affect only the numeric value of the EPDs.

It will take some time and practice to become familiar with the new EPDs. But there is a way to jump-start your understanding of the new numbers. All you need to do is memorize: 3 30 60 and 15. Learn these four numbers, and you'll have no problem interpreting any Gelbvieh animal's EPDs. Here's how it works1/4

3 is for Birth Weight EPD. If you're looking to stay near or below breed average on birth weight, your reference point is a birth weight EPD of +3 pounds. Animals significantly below 3 for birth weight will be below breed average. The further below 3 you go, the further you are below breed average for birth weight.

Animals with birth weight EPDs above 3 are above breed average. If they are very far above 3, they're likely to produce heavy birth weights.

30 is the number to remember for Weaning Weight. Lock +30 pounds into your mind as you evaluate weaning weight EPDs. Weaning weight EPDs below 30 are below Gelbvieh breed average. Those significantly above 30 are better than average, indicating strong weaning growth. If above-average weaning growth is a goal of your breeding program, select cattle that are above 30 for weaning weight EPD.

The key level for evaluating Yearling Weight EPDs is 60. Cattle with yearling weight EPDs above +60 pounds are above breed average. Those significantly below 60 have less than average yearling growth. As you evaluate yearling weight EPDs on the new Gelbvieh base, 60 is the reference point to remember.

The number for Milk is 15. Milk EPDs near +15 are close to Gelbvieh breed average. If an animal has a milk EPD that is higher than 15, it has high milk potential. Conversely, a milk EPD substantially below 15 indicates a lower-than-average milk level. Many Gelbvieh breeders strive to optimize (rather than maximize) milk EPDs, because Gelbvieh is a high milk breed. If your objective is to breed cattle that are near breed average for milk, you can use 15 as your target level.

EPDs are an excellent tool for commercial producers to use in evaluating bulls to use in their programs. EPDs give a more accurate idea of how each bull's progeny will perform. Remember 3-30-60-15 and you are on the way to understanding the new Gelbvieh EPDs