In: Biology
Bull A’s EPD for yearling weight is +45 lb. Bull B’s EPD for yearing weight is -5 lb.
a. What is the expected difference in average yearling weights of progeny of these two bulls?
b. Will some of Bull B’s progeny have heavier yearling weights than some of A’s progeny? Why?
In order to obtain the direct value by comparison, we have to assume that both the bulls are of same breed.
Yearling weight EPDs predict the average difference in weight of a bull's progeny at a year of age (365 days). Using the EPDs for Bulls A and B above, we would expect calves sired by Bull A to be 50 pounds heavier at a year of age on the average than calves sired by Bull B.
The EPD value is highly accurate and thus the possibility of progeny of bull B weighing more then bull A is very low.
The weight of progenies would depend on the EPD accuracy. If the accuraacy is low for bull A then bull B can have heavier progenies.When using EPDs, it is important to understand that the role of EPDs is to provide a measure of comparison within a breed. To compare animals across breeds, estimates from the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (MARC) can aid in determining differences between EPDs of different breeds.