Bull buying...carcass data

[Amo]

Well its bull buying season again. I guess I have always used the actual data for rib eye/marbling vs. an epd. IDK which way to look at it. I imagine, that the actual scan data is sent to the association? Then how long do they take to add it to the epd? Guess just kinda wondering what your "supposed" to use & what most people do use. Seams like Angus will have actual data. Hereford has epds. I'm guessing that's because Herefords don't quite have the IMF?

 

[Cal Greg]

The actual data, ratios, and genomic data are in the EPDs. I use the Angus breed rankings for selection. I was taught that a bull has to rank in the top 25% of the breed to make progress in that trait.

 

[Mike]

Scan data is sent to the association and included in data when new EPD's are calculated each year.

Guessing that Herefords don't have the IMF would be inaccurate. There is as much difference within any breed as it is between breeds.

The best data comes from selling calves on the grid and/or feeding calves somewhere like Decatur County Feedyard in Oberlin, Ks.