The Canadian AngusONE Genetic Evaluation

The Canadian Angus Association has run our genetic evaluations with our American counterparts the American Angus Association (AAA) and the Red Angus Association of America (RAAA) for more than 20 years. This gave us EPDs for Canadian cattle that were comparable to those in the U.S. but also that meant that Canadian Black Angus EPDs were not comparable to Canadian Red Angus EPDs. Last fall, the genetic evaluation system used by RAAA and CAA for our Red Angus cattle was retired. Our new evaluation is AngusONE in which all Canadian Angus animals, both red and black, are evaluated with their Black American Angus counterparts at Angus Genetics Inc (AGI).

·        Canadian Red Angus EPDs have changed - they are now on a new base.

·        The EPDs from the AngusONE evaluation are not comparable to the ‘old red’ evaluation.

·        It will take time to adjust to this new base.

·        Percentile ranks for most animals did not change – for example frequently used Red Angus AI sire RED TER-RON PARKER 34A (RPAH 34A) 1726773 DMC AMF CAF NHF OSF DDF

 

Trait	Old EPD	Percentile Rank	AngusONE EPD	Percentile Rank
BW	+3.3 lb	95%	+4.8 lb	95%
WW	+73 lb	5%	+56lb	5%
YW	+119 lb	5%	+90 lb	5%
Milk	+5 lb	90%	+8 lb	95%

 

·        As you can see, the numbers have changed but the percentile ranks have not.

·       Please use the new Red Angus breed averages and percentile rankings to orient yourselves to what your new target EPD should be. The new breed averages are:

 

Average EPDs for all Black Calves born in 2018 
Average EPDs for all Red and Red Carrier Calves born in 2018

BW

WW

YW

Milk

TM

SC

CED

CEM

REA

CW

Marb

Fat

EPD

+2.3 +1.2

+45 +35

+78 +58

+20 +19

+43 +36

+0.72 +0.58

+3.0 +2.4

+7.0 +5.6

+0.40 +0.33

+32 +20

+0.36 +0.23

+0.013 +0.003

   

Easier yet, use the percentile rank graph to evaluate animals. Canadian Red Angus animals have their own breed average and will be ranked against other Canadian Red Angus animals. The example of a percentile rank graph below shows you how easy it is to use percentile ranks, and the graphs in particular, to describe your genetics. 

The AngusONE genetic evaluation offers a lot of advantages, but change, including a new genetic evaluation, a new EPD base, and new target EPDs, takes time and understanding to get used to. Your Canadian Angus Association Member Service Team is prepared to provide support and information for our members and your customers. Please do not hesitate to contact us for assistance.