They are the most powerful tool that is available for making genetic progress. EPDs incorporate the performance of the individual, along with the performance of all of its relatives. EPDs do not compare across breeds. If you want to stress a trait in your herd, first select the breed that most readily offers that trait and then use EPDs to select individuals within the breed. Remember that the EPDs are only relative. They indicate a probable variance above or below breed average for that trait for a given bull’s progeny. They are the best tool we have. Use them for guidance in the direction you want your herd to go.

Calving Ease (CE EPD): The ease with which bull’s calves are born. This EPD is expressed in percent unassisted births with the more positive # indicating greater calving ease

 Birth Weight (BW EPD): Actual birth weights in pounds adjusted for age of dam are utilized in the analysis of this trait. The analysis procedure provides a prediction of differences between sires for progeny birth weights free of the effects of contemporary group (or herd) and age of dam. Birth weight is of economic importance because it reflects calving ease to some degree, i.e., larger calves at birth tend to result in more difficult births. A minus value here reflects probable birth weights below the breed average. A plus value reflects probable birth weights above the breed average.

Adjusted 205-day Weaning Weight (WWEPD): Weaning weight EPDs should be used to compare the birth to weaning growth of progeny of two bulls of the same breed and relative to the breed average weaning weight in pounds. Higher weaning EPDs predict higher weaning weights.

Adjusted 365-Day Weight (YW EPD): A trait of major economic importance since it is more indicative of growth potential through market weights taken earlier in the animal’s life. The trait is also associated with efficiency of gain and pounds of trimmed retail boneless beef. Yearling EPDs should be used to compare the expected progeny yearling weights of the bulls. Higher yearling EPDs indicate greater expected yearling weights.

Total Maternal (TM EPD): Total maternal EPDs should be used to predict the total weaning weight performance (milk + weaning weight) of a bull’s daughters (or the direct total weaning potential of females). Higher total maternal EPDs predict greater weaning weights from daughters.

BULL MANAGEMENT The bulls on offer are weaned at approximately 205 days and put into grass paddocks for three weeks, then introduced to silage, grain and hay. The bull test ration is balanced for 13.5% protein and 67.5% T.D.N. That consists of 25-35% grain, 25% alfalfa brome hay and the remaining 40% of pea and barley silage.

SODERGLEN BULLS We have had in the past, very strong commercial support with 99% of our bulls going into commercial operations (our valued customers create the demand). The bulls on offer are the top cut from our cow herd consisting of 1400 spring calving and fall calving females. Please keep in mind the stringent selection of this 2003 offering.

EPDs...EXPLANATION AND “HOW TO USE”