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For selection of breeding stock, it is important to know how EPD values for an individual animal
compare to current breed averages. Average non‐parent EPD values for some economically important traits
are found in the tables below. These averages are useful for making comparisons within breeds.
AVERAGE EPDs FOR 2016 BORN ANIMALS FROM 2017 BREED SIRE SUMMARIES
Breed
Trait
Angus
SimComposite Simmental
Calving Ease
6.0
10.8
9.2
Birth Weight
1.4
0.5
1.8
Weaning Weight
50.0
60.0
62.0
Milk
24.0
21.1
21.0
Yearling Weight
88.0
91.8
90.2
Docility
14.0
11.0
10.9
Stayability
9.0
11.0
Maternal Calving Ease
8.0
7.3
8.7
Carcass Weight
35.0
25.4
26.1
Backfat Thickness
0.011
‐0.039
‐0.055
Ribeye Area
0.47
0.67
0.80
Intramuscular Fat
0.53
0.33
0.15
Scrotal Circumference
0.74
$EN
$‐4.01
$W
$45.75
$F
$42.30
$B
$110.33
API
$120.90
$120.90
TI
$68.10
$68.50
Additionally, each EPD value has an accuracy (ACC) value and a Percentile Rank. Accuracy can
be defined as the relationship between the estimated EPD of the animal and the "true" EPD of the
animal
.
The accuracy value indicates how much information went into the EPD prediction with values
ranging from 0 to 1. Selection of individuals with low accuracy values are still more accurate than basing
selection on actual weights and ratios. The Rank % or Percentile Rank tells you where their EPD falls
within the range of EPD values. A rank of 20 indicates it is in the top 20% of EPD values. The range for
Rank % is 1 to 99%.
AL BCIA Policy on Genetic Defects
Alabama BCIA encourages all consignors to test their animals for any genetic defects as directed by their
respective breed associations. The genetic status of animals to be sold in BCIA sales have been verified with the
respective breed association by the sale coordinator. Any known carriers or potential carriers of a genetic defect
are noted in the sale catalog. Any updates will be posted by supplemental sheet or vocally from the sale block for
full disclosure of any known defect. Therefore, all animals published in this catalog are free of any known genetic
defects at the time of publication, unless noted.
There are bulls noted in the catalog which are carriers or potential carriers (someone in their pedigree is a
carrier) for Developmental Duplication (DD) and Oculocutaneous Hypopigmentation (OH). Both are non‐lethal
conditions and more cosmetic in nature. Both are recessive. OH cattle have eyes with irises that are pale blue
around the pupil with a tan periphery. Sometimes OH cattle have a bleached hair coat. DD cattle may be born
with an extra limb or part of an extra limb.
