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Selection tool for feed efficiency now available

published: October 15th 2010

The American Angus Association® has released the residual average daily gain expected progeny difference (RADG EPD). Here’s how to use the latest selection tool provided on a weekly basis.
    Angus breeders now have access to residual average daily gain (RADG) expected progeny differences (EPDs) — the industry’s latest advancement in selecting animals for feed efficiency.
    The new EPDs released by the American Angus Association® and Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI) characterizes postweaning efficiency differences in future progeny of Angus breeding stock. The new EPD capitalizes on the use of individual feed intake data, a sizeable growth database in Angus cattle, and the latest genomic technology.
    In other words, the selection tool can assist both seedstock and commercial cattlemen in identifying the most efficient animals in their herds, says Bill Bowman, AGI president and Association chief operating officer (COO).
    “Feed costs are a significant financial component that producers must consider. The residual average daily gain EPD helps identify Angus genetics expected to gain more on a comparable amount of feed,” Bowman says.
    The following are some commonly asked questions regarding the new feed efficiency selection tool:
    Q: What is the RADG EPD?
    The RADG EPD was developed using individual intake data captured from several years of research projects funded through the Angus Foundation and the American Angus Association and conducted by University of Illinois, North Carolina State University, and Iowa State University.
    Aided by technological advancements in intake measuring systems, this research — as well as cooperative data from breeders and bull test stations — has provided individual feed intake data that becomes an integral part of the genetic evaluation.
    To create the RADG EPD, AGI conducted a genetic evaluation including the individual feed intake data, calf growth measures, as well as dry matter intake (DMI) genomic results from the Angus-specific IGENITY profile derived from a High Density Whole Genome Scan with 50,000 markers (HD WGS).
    The use of DNA technology allows calves to be included in the evaluation for RADG EPDs, providing ranchers with tools to more rapidly target economically relevant traits and make even more accurate genetic improvements.
    Q: How do I use RADG EPDs effectively?
    RADG EPDs characterize genetic differences in gain, given a constant amount of feed.
    For example, assume two Angus sires have RADG EPDs of 0.22 and -0.09, respectively. On the average, we would expect calves out of the two sires (when fed the same amount of feed) to have an average daily gain difference of 0.31 lb. per day in the postweaning phase.
    Like other selection tools, it’s important to practice balanced, multi-trait selection when choosing herd genetics.
    Q: Where can I find RADG EPDs?
    The RADG EPD are reported with other production growth traits and presented in pounds (lb.) per day, with higher values being more favorable.
    The selection tool is presented in industry-friendly, familiar terminology that best represents what’s being evaluated.
    Q: How often will RADG EPDs be updated?
    RADG EPDs are calculated on a weekly basis — along with docility and carcass EPDs — as part of the American Angus Association’s National Cattle Evaluation (NCE). EPDs released on a weekly basis are updated every Friday.
    For more information about RADG EPDs visit www.angus.org, contact your Angus regional manager or call (816) 383-5100.