What is an Expected Progeny Difference?
The concept of EPDs was first introduced to Senepol producers over 10 years ago with the first publication of a National Sire Evaluation. An Expected Progeny Difference (EPD) is an estimate of the genetic merit of an animal as a parent and is reported in the normal units of measurement such as pounds or centimeters. Nearly every major beef breed association in the United States publishes an annual or semi-annual summary of sire EPDs. The SCBA conducts annual genetic evaluations and publishes an annual sire summary for birth weight, weaning weight, yearling weight, maternal milk, maternal weaning weight and scrotal circumference. An EPD means absolutely nothing by itself, and it does not predict specific levels of performance. An EPD should only be used to make comparisons between individuals. For example, let’s say a sire has a weaning weight EPD of +15 lb. This does not indicate that you would increase weaning weight in your herd by 15 lb. if you were to use this sire, nor does it mea
