New tool breeds kinder, gentler cows

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – The American Angus Association recently released a new research docility genetic evaluation.
In Angus cattle, a factual means to describe temperament variation is now a reality. The research report includes sire docility expected progeny differences (EPDs). This is a tool to increase the chance of a sire’s calves having calm behavior compared to calves of other sires.
Uses. “Docility EPDs can be used as part of a complete selection program in the event that a producer needs to make improvement in a herd’s cattle temperament. Angus breeders have submitted nearly 40,000 yearling temperament scores to allow genetic differences to be identified in sires for docility,” said Sally Northcutt, genetic research director for the association.
The spring 2008 docility research report contains docility expected progeny differences and accuracies for 554 sires in this first listing. The release of docility expected progeny differences is in the form of a Web-based research report found at www.angussiresearch.com containing sire expected progeny differences with a minimum .20 accuracy and at least 10 progeny and two groups.
Printed copies are available on request.
More information. If you have questions, contact the performance programs department at 816-383-5100.