I'm on both sides of this EPD vs look at them (esp feet) debate. SOME breeders are selecting for EPDs to the point where they ignore some traits like feet. I bought one of those good-epd-but-bad-feet bulls a few years ago before I knew any better. In fact a fellow poster pointed out the bad feet in response to a picture I posted. He was right. That bull only lasted 2 breeding seasons before he was having trouble walking and mounting cows. There are some Hereford breeders such as Bryce at Schu-Lar, Ellis and probably others that do seem to be able to produce EPDs and pay attention to longevity issues such as feet. I think we need both EPDs and visual traits. I can't see marbling or calving ease or maternal milk etc looking at a bull at a sale barn. There are breeders who do both. However it must be tough to make a living selling the few bulls that have both EPDs and visual traits. Feeders may want huge calves but as a birth to plate guy I sure do not. I really like processing an 1100 lb long yearling steer for taste, tenderness and profitability. I do not want to be pulling calves at 2 am nor is it necessary if you buy bulls with good calving ease and growth epds. I also emphasize marbling. We need to take advantage of new genetic/EPD technology but also keep looking at bulls!
Edited by Jim 6/20/2020 11:10
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