Reproduction

Once the tallest player in the NBA, Yao Ming measures at an astounding 7 feet, 6 inches tall. His height and athletic ability led him to be selected for the NBA All-Star game eight times.

Body condition scoring (BCS) is nothing novel, exciting or earth-shattering, but it does pay! It is such a basic concept in the cattle industry that, without meaning to offend anyone, I dare to say it is elementary. However, it is also widely underused.

Over the last three- to four-decade period, the beef industry has made great use of genetic selection tools to improve economically important traits. Much of that improvement is due to the implementation and use of expected progeny differences (EPDs).

Cow-calf producers are familiar with the concept that cow fertility is the major driver for positive profit margins in their herds. However, we may not be used to seeing actual number calculations or projections from where these types of statements are derived.

Finding the best bull for your cow herd requires an understanding of EPDs and the accuracy values of those EPDs, as well as having a network of professionals you can call upon when assistance is needed.

The value of accurate data only continues to grow in today’s fast-moving beef industry.