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
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.
