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The American Angus Association® has
recently updated its research heifer pregnancy genetic evaluation.
Angus breeders continue to submit heifer breeding records to allow
selection tools for reproductive traits to be developed.
The second research release includes
updated sire heifer pregnancy expected progeny differences (HP
EPDs). These EPDs are a tool to increase the chance of a sire’s
daughters becoming pregnant as heifers during a normal breeding
season. “Even though reproductive traits are recognized as being
lowly heritable, this research allows us to provide a genetic
value to commercial producers in an area of high economic
importance,” says Sally Northcutt, genetic research director for
the Association.
The Spring 2008 heifer pregnancy
research report contains HP EPDs and accuracies for 495 sires,
with nearly 70 new sires added to the listing. The release of HP
EPDs is in the form of a web-based research report found at
www.angussiresearch.com containing sire EPDs with a minimum
0.30 accuracy. Printed copies are available on request. If you
have questions, contact the Performance Programs Department at
816-383-5100.
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