by Dr. Tonya Amen Geneticist for North American Limousin Foundation
I
nstead of covering current EPDs or Indexes or reporting on updates to the National Cattle Evaluation, this month I am writing to solicit data for a new EPD currently being researched by International Genetics Solutions (IGS) and its partners. Dry Matter Intake (DMI), measured in pounds, is an expression of feed intake on a dry matter basis, such that a higher value indicates more feed consumed and a lower value indicates the animal ate less feed. IGS has recently started research into developing a DMI EPD. Typically, heritability estimates for DMI are moderate, indicating that genetic selection for the trait is possible. Of course, DMI on its own is not terribly significant without a corresponding indication of animals’ genetic potential as growth. Animals who eat very little may not necessarily be more efficient than animals who eat more if the big eaters also express excellent growth potential. So, the utility of the DMI EPD will be for use in an index where genetic potential for growth and feed consumption can be properly weighted with appropriate economic weights.
It is important for Limousin and Lim-Flex cattle to be represented in this early research so the cattle can be most accurately characterized in the estimation of genomic marker effects and in the final EPD. Data needed includes: • On test date • Off test date • On test weight • Mid test weight • Off test weight • Feed intake test and pen • DMI • ADG It is important that DMI be reported on a dry-matter basis. If you are interested in contributing data or have questions, please contact that NALF office. Or, data can be sent directly to tonya@nalf.org.
POWER, PERFORMANCE &PHENOTYPE HP • HB • Purebred S: Wulfs Cobra 2662C D: Wulfs Charisma 5293C CE: 9 BW: 0.6 WW: 81 YW: 119 MA: 27 SC: 1.1 DC: 15 YG: -.57 RE: 1.25 MB: -.15 $MI: 54 Owned with Wulf Cattle Semen $40. Grassroots Genetics 515.965.1458
HP • DB • Purebred S: Wulfs Compliant D: Wulfs Acre 3630A CE: 7 BW: 1.1 WW: 63 YW: 87 MA: 33 SC: 0.20 DC: 15 YG: -0.54 RE: 1.39 MB: 0.03 $MI: 54 Owned with Wulf Cattle Contact Owners for Semen
Wulfs GENIUS 5293G
Genius powered his way toward the top of the Wulf Cattle Sale in 2020 as a true crowd favorite. He brings a unique pedigree to the table and combines it with a balanced set of EPDs. Structurally sound and stout all the way to the ground, he is the perfect balance of phenotype and performance. We are excited as the Ben Petre (740) 408-2433 • Caleb Miller (614) 218-2043 first Genius calves are hitting They43760 are coming with 13315 Church St., the Mt.ground. Perry, OH moderate birth weights and tremendous vigor. Safe for heifers.
Wulfs FETOSCOPE K631F A top-selling bull from Wulf Cattle in 2019, Fetoscope is a true power bull who brings a perfectly balanced set of EPDs to the table. Within the top 20th percentile for six economically important traits, his progeny continue to wow us in person and on paper. Suitable for heifers.
Ben Petre (740) 408-2433 • Caleb Miller (614) 218-2043 • 13315 Church St., Mt. Perry, OH 43760
80
• APRIL 2021
