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Index Resolution
ELDON COLE
MT. VERNON, MO.
It’s the time of year when folks make resolutions. I know they may not keep them very long but here’s a resolution to consider. When selecting a bull, either for natural or AI service, give strong consideration to EPD/indexes other than just calving ease and birth weight.
If you save replacement heifers and sell your calves off the cow or within 45 to 60 days of weaning, study the weaning index. Most breeds now have some indexes presented in their sire evaluation reports and on the animal’s pedigree. The index combines several performance EPD traits including birth weight, weaning weight, maternal milk and mature cow size. I mentioned these back in my October Beef Newsletter but I did it again at resolution time to impress upon you the value of indexes now and even more in the future.
If you happen to retain ownership of the calves through to finished weights most breeds also have an index for those. The Angus refer to that as Beef Value ($B) Other breeds call it a Terminal Index. It gives you a feeling for the differences in the post-weaning and carcass value of other sires. Indexes and genomic enhanced EPDs help improve accuracy values and increase your ability to make improvement in your herd. ∆
ELDON COLE: Extension Livestock Specialist, University of Missouri
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