What are the units of measurement for the Calving Ease EPDs?
A. Because we are trying to predict the probability of an unassisted calving, Calving Ease EPDs are reported in percent probability. This means that the difference between two sires’ EPDs predicts the probability difference between the unassisted calving rates of the sires (or their daughters in the case of Calving Ease Total Maternal). Q. How do I Interpret the Calving Ease Total Maternal EPD? A. The actual calving ease score for a calf is a combination of the calf’s genetics for calving ease and the dam’s ability to calve unassisted. The calf’s genetics (“direct” genetics) influence the shape and size of the calf. The dam’s genetics (“maternal” genetics) influence the uterine environment, pelvic area, etc. When we refer to Total Maternal Calving Ease, we are describing the combination of direct and maternal aspects that will result in the probability of a daughter having a calf unassisted. The Calving Ease Total Maternal (CETM) EPD combines the two effects and predicts the probabilit
