EXPECTED PROGENY DIFFERENCES (EPD): The expected difference in performance of a bull's progeny when compared to the average progeny performance of all bulls evaluated. EPD's are reported in pounds and are directly comparable across all herds within a breed, but not across breeds.

ACCURACY: A measure of certainty regarding the genetic merit of a bull. Accuracies are reported as a decimal number between zero and one. Larger values indicate greater accuracy and more certainty that a bull's EPD values will not change with additional progeny information.

CALVING EASE DIRECT (CE): Predicts the ease with which a bull’s calves are born to first calf heifers. EPD values for calving ease are reported as deviations in the percent of unassisted births. When comparing calving ease EPD values of two sires, the larger EPD value indicates a higher percentage of unassisted births for calves sired by this bull.

MATERNAL CALVING EASE (CE): The ease with which a bull’s daughter’s calves as first calf heifers. EPD values for maternal calving ease are reported as deviations in the percent of unassisted births. When comparing maternal calving ease EPD values of two sires, the larger EPD value indicates a higher percentage of unassisted births for calves born out of this sire’s daughters..

BIRTH WEIGHT EPD (BW): Predicts the difference in average birth weight of a bull’s calves compared to calves of all other bulls evaluated. Compare the bull’s EPD to the breed average to determine when he is above or below average for birth weight EPD for his breed. If the birth weight is higher than breed average, he will sire heavier calves at birth than the average bull born in 2001.

WEANING WEIGHT EPD (WW): Weaning weight EPD predicts the difference in average adjusted 205-day weight of a bull's calves compared to calves of all other bulls evaluated.

MILK or MATERNAL EPD: Maternal (Pure Milk) EPD predicts the difference in average 205 day weight of a bull’s daughters calves (due to differences in milking ability) compared to calves of all other bulls evaluated. Note, this is pounds of calf weaning weight and not pounds of milk.

YEARLING WEIGHT EPD (YW): Yearling weight EPD predicts the difference in average adjusted 365-day weight of a bull's progeny compared to progeny of all other bulls evaluated.

SCROTAL CIRCUMFERENCE EPD (SC): Scrotal circumference EPD values predict the difference in yearling scrotal circumference (measured in centimeters) of a bull’s male calves compared to male calves of all other bulls evaluated.

ULTRASOUND INTRAMUSCULAR FAT (%UIMF): A predictor of the difference in ribeye of progeny at a given endpoint.

ULTRASOUND RIBEYE AREA (UREA): A predictor of the difference in square inches of ribeye area for a sire’s progeny compared to an average sire.

ULTRASOUND BACKFAT (UFAT): It is expressed in inches and is a predictor of the difference in external fat thickness at the 12-13^th rib of a sire’s progeny compared to an average sire.

CARCASS WEIGHT EPD (CW): Carcass weight is a good predictor of total retail product, but not percent retail product. Selecting sires with higher EPD values for carcass weight will result in progeny carcasses with more total retail product at a constant fat and age endpoint. The industry target weight range for carcasses is 650 to 850 pounds.

MARBLING SCORE EPD: The marbling score EPD can be used to select sires that will produce progeny with more marbling at a constant fat or age endpoint. The genetic correlation between marbling score and external backfat at the 12^th rib is nearly zero. Intramuscular marbling contributes to the overall eating experience of beef. Intramuscular fat plays a small role in tenderness of beef. It also is a significant component of juiciness and flavor of the beef product.

RIBEYE AREA EPD (REA) : expressed in square inches, is a predictor of the difference in ribeye area of progeny at a given end point.

FAT THICKNESS EPD (FAT): The heritability of 12^th-rib fat thickness has been estimated to be 0.25 from the Angus carcass database. According to research from MARC, there is a high negative genetic relationship (-.74) between external 12th rib fat thickness and percent retail product. From field data this correlation has been estimated at -.84, but it must be remembered that the % retail product used for the sire evaluation is made up of component traits of which fat thickness is the biggest contributor.

PERCENT RETAIL CUTS EPD (%RP) : An estimate of the yield of closely trimmed, boneless retail cuts from the round, loin, rib and chuck. Selecting sires with higher EPD values for percent retail cuts will result in progeny carcasses with a higher percentage of closely trimmed retail product at a constant age. Can also be measured and estimated by using carcass ultrasound, designated %URP.
 

Whatever system your bull has been evaluated in, young bulls do require an adjustment period prior to being used for breeding. This is referred by some as a "hardening period". Others refer to it as a "let down" period.

Young bulls, especially those of breeding age, do require attention for continued growth and proper development. Regardless if they are home raised or newly purchased, proper feeding, care and management now will give your bull the opportunity to continue growing and allow him to develop into a sound and profitable herd sire.

Several management practices should be observed when newly purchased bulls are brought home. These practices can help ensure that each new bull has a long and productive future with good productive performance.

Place young bulls in well fenced lots before and after breeding season to keep bulls away form cows in heat. There should be shade and plenty of clean water in each lot. Provide free-choice minerals and routinely treat for parasites.