Producers have figured out great expected progeny differences (EPDs) aren’t the only measuring stick, but they are definitely part of the puzzle.

To a good degree, what you see is what you get when it comes to future progeny. That doesn’t ring with a lot of scientific justification, but we all know this to be true. We all resemble our biological parents to some degree.

In the same light, we cannot expect thick-made, fast-growing, efficient cattle out of tight-ribbed, narrow-made bulls that look like they are wearing a cinched-up bucking strap. Good cattle will look good on paper and in person.

Undesirable bulls come in multiple packages. Some can look great but have EPDs that take you in the wrong direction, and others have great story lines in their EPDs but look like dairy cattle.

As a general rule, don’t pick bulls with genetic extremes when keeping daughters. Extremes in most any of the typical production traits tend to be problematic. When terminal bulls are used, growth and carcass merit trendsetters are less risky. There is an exception to every rule, and that is what creates the most expensive bulls in a breed. These bulls combine all the bells and whistles together without the problems. At least that’s the hope.

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In any situation, feet and leg structure should always be evaluated, but particularly when keeping replacements. Select bulls with good depth of heel. The hairline on the rear of the foot should not be touching the ground. Toes should point forward and not grow inward.

Poorly designed cattle cannot function well in a breeding herd and may not perform well in the feedyard. Cattle with great genetics for feedlot growth that also have a poorly designed skeleton may not get to the bunk as aggressively, reducing profits.

In other cases, getting to the bunk isn’t the problem, but increased weight and maturity give way to chronic skeletal issues, poor mobility and possible welfare concerns, which the industry needs to avoid.  end mark

Jason Duggin