EPDs

EPD Run – Occurs 9 Times a Year!

NEW! EPD Runs will occur 9 times throughout the year. Information is due on the 20th of the previous month to be included in the next run. For any questions regarding EPD’s please contact the office.

EPD Runs will occur on the following dates:

  • January 1st
  • February 1st
  • March 1st
  • April 1st
  • August 1st
  • September 1st
  • October 1st
  • November 1st
  • December 1st

EPD Reports:

Trait Definitions

Trait

Description

Units

CE - Calving Ease
Genetic difference for unassisted calving of progeny.  A larger number indicates easier calving (less assistance).
unassisted
BW - Birth weight
Describes genetic differences for progeny birth weight.  A larger number indicates heavier calves at birth.
lbs
WW - Weaning Weight
Genetic difference for progeny weaning weight.  A larger number indicates heavier calves at weaning.
lbs
YW - Yearling Weight
Genetic difference for progeny yearling weight.  A larger number indicates heavier calves at one year of age.
lbs
MILK - Milk
Genetic difference for daughters’ progeny weaning weight due to their milk production (grandprogeny).  A larger number indicates heavier calves from daughters at weaning.
lbs
MCE - Maternal Calving Ease
Genetic Difference for daughters’ calving unassisted as first calf heifers. A larger number indicates easier calving (less assistance).
unassisted
TM - Total Maternal
Genetic difference for daughters’ progeny weaning weight due to their genes for milk and growth (grandprogeny).  A larger number indicates heavier calves at weaning.
lbs
SC - Scrotal Circumference
Genetic differences for male progeny scrotal size at 1 year of age. A larger number indicates larger scrotal circumference at a year old.
cm
CWT - Carcass Weight
Genetic difference for progeny carcass weight in pounds.  A larger number indicates heavier carcasses.
lbs
REA - Rib-Eye Area
Genetic difference for progeny Rib-Eye area in square inches.  A larger number indicates bigger rib-eye muscle.
sq. in.
FAT - Fat Thickness
Genetic difference for progeny backfat thickness at 12/13 rib.  A larger value indicates fatter carcasses.
in
MARB - Marbling
Genetic difference for progeny marbling score (quality grade) in marbling score units.  A larger number indicates more marbling.
MSU

Terminal Sire Index (TSI)

The CCA Terminal Sire Index (TSI) utilizes economic and management descriptions of your ranching operation, along with EPD on available Charolais bulls to assist in identifying the most profitable sires for your unique operation. Using economic selection index theory, this tool will generate dollar indexes per terminal progeny produced on bulls in the CCA database, ranking them for profit potential given the inputs you provide. The dollar indexes are to be interpreted much like single trait EPD. For example, if sire A's index is $191.66 and sire B's index is $200.00, then we would expect Sire B's offspring to average $8.34 more net return ($200.00 - $191.66) than sire A's offspring.

This program assumes all offspring are marketed based upon carcass value and replacement females are purchased or raised as a separate enterprise. Inputs should be provided based on historical information from your operation. The TSI economic default value is based on a three year rolling averaged utilizing USDA data.

  • SIRE LISTING CRITERIA: For bulls to have a Terminal Sire Index they must be registered with the Canadian Charolais Association. Each bull must also have an EPD for BWT, WWT, YWT, MAT, REA, HCW, MARB and FAT.
  • PROGENY PROVEN SIRES: Must have sired at least 3 calves with performance data reported to CCA within the last two years and an accuracy value of .30 or higher.
  • UNPROVEN SIRES: 30 months of age or younger.
    It is important to remember that this is a Terminal Sire Index and should not be used as the sole selection tool for producing replacement females. Producers should consider the appropriate traits for the selection of sires to produce replacement females.
Review Terminal Sire Index article
View the Webinar