New Carcass EPDs Released
The American Angus Association Fall 2008 National Cattle Evaluation includes new carcass EPDs. These genetic predictions for carcass merit encompass both carcass and ultrasound databases, which previously generated separate EPDs for each data source. In contrast, the new carcass EPDs from the combined analysis-or integrated evaluation of the ultrasound and carcass phenotypic databases-will include a single EPD for carcass weight, marbling score, ribeye area, and fat thickness. The units of measure are in carcass trait format and analyzed on an age-constant basis. The previously calculated ultrasound EPDs are no longer published. To read more, click here.

Growth Trait Accuracies Revised
Growth trait accuracies for birth, weaning, yearling and milk EPDs are revised to more conservative levels than previously reported with these EPDs. With the change in the accuracy routine, the minimum accuracy criteria for qualifying Main and Supplement Sires listed in the Sire Evaluation Report was considered. The minimum accuracies for sires to be listed in the Sire Evaluation Report were changed to the following: minimum Main Sire yearling weight EPD accuracy of .40 and the minimum Supplement Sire weaning weight EPD accuracy of .30.

Research Reports Updated
An updated research evaluation for Angus heifer pregnancy is now available. Heifer Pregnancy EPDs on sires with minimum .30 accuracy are now available through a web-based listing. The list of sires meeting the criteria is available only through this separate web-based report. Sire EPDs and accuracies can be downloaded into a spreadsheet format and sorted as desired.

Also, the Fall 2008 National Cattle Evaluation includes an updated research Angus docility genetic evaluation. A web-based listing contains sires having a minimum .35 accuracy and at least 15 progeny and two groups. Also, these sire EPDs can be downloaded into a spreadsheet for sorting.

Breeders may also request a printed version of the research reports if needed, by contacting the Performance Programs Department at 816-383-5100.

Economic Assumptions for Angus $Values Updated
For the Fall 2008 evaluation, the following changes have been made to the Angus $Value economic assumptions, which are based on a three-year rolling average. The new $Values reflect an increase of feed energy cost to $.065 per MCal NEm, ration cost to $225, and fed market price to $87.