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In addition to Total Herd most economically important The Midwest Cattleman · August 19, 2021 · P17
Enrollment (THE), where Ir- traits for our customers who
vine Ranch reports calf data retain heifers).”
to ASA on every cow, every By entering some of their
year, the ranch is also uti- best yearling bulls in the
lizing multiple association CMP program, the Irvines
programs for genetic im- are able to see how they stack
provement and marketing up against other promising
prowess. young sires. The young bulls
“ASA is a world leader in that prove out through this
the genetic evaluation,” said program often go on to be-
John, who served three years come the sires they will use
on the Board of Trustees of most heavily in the Irvine
the ASA. The Simmental Ranch herd.
Association has the larg- As for the CHR and CCG,
est database of animals and John said, “We have genom-
calculates EPDs not only ically tested every animal in
on Simmental, but PB ani- our herd through these pro- form, EPDs have now become accuracy of genomics.”
mals of other breeds as well grams. Testing animals at an an even more powerful tool Among more real-world
as crossbred cattle. With early age provides a better to make progress. In the last observations are the on-the-
ASA’s multi-breed genetic EPD prediction earlier in the two years we had three year- hoof kind that help round
evaluation they provide us animal’s life. This enables us ling bulls that saw heavy AI out selection. Irvine Ranch
with trait values on a com- and our customers to make use their first year. All three screens heifers and cows for
mon EPD platform. I like to better selection and mating bulls achieved a high EPD phenotypical traits such as
think of it as speaking one decisions. Additionally, these accuracy as a result of over docility, structure and udder
language, versus having to programs provide parentage one thousand progeny being quality. Females not meet-
translate EPDs from one verification. Consequently, entered into ASA’s genet- ing these criteria are culled.
breed association EPD to an- our customers have the con- ic evaluation. Interesting- Still, the first priority accord-
other. For example, we can fidence of knowing our pedi- ly, these young sires' EPDs ing to John are the genetic
make a planned mating be- grees are correct.” as yearlings, with genomic improvements in traits of
tween a PB Simmental and a It's not just a matter of incorporation, very closely economic relevance for their
PB Angus and all of the EPD accuracy that motivates the mirrored their EPDs after customers, and moving the
translation is done.” Irvine family to go the extra a large number of progeny female’s genetics closer to
Added to the Irvine Ranch mile. were evaluated. Real-world their parameters for each
ASA toolbox are: Carcass “We view our relationships examples like this give us trait.
Merit Program (CMP) - with customers as a 'genetic increasing confidence in the continued on page 24
ASA’s proving ground for improvement partnership,'” Annual Production Sale - 1st Saturday in March
the breed’s most promising John said. “The 'blueprint' is
young sires, using them in our in-herd genetic improve-
commercial herds and evalu- ment plan, akin to a play-
ating their progeny in a com- book for a football team. We
Cowherd Roundup and Calf feel have the greatest finan- Registered Simmental &
mon contemporary group; have evaluated the traits we
Crop Genomics (CHR and cial impact in our customers' SimAngus Bulls
CCG) - Large scale g nomic operations, and execute the
testing and incorporation plan to make progress in this
into EPDs, at reduced prices; direction.”
and Feeder Profit Calculator To that end, Irvine Ranch FOR SALE
(FPC). is garnering genomically en-
“By reporting data on hanced DNA to include in the Private Treaty
every animal, every year,” playbook.
John said, “the overall accu- “Since the advent of EPDs, THIS FALL
racy of EPDs is improved. By we have viewed them as the
having complete data on the best tool for making genet-
cowherd, we feel the biggest ic improvement,” John said.
impact is in ASA’s predic- “With the incorporation of
tion of Stayability (one of the genomics into the EPD plat-

Keytesville, MO
George Schupback - Keytesville, MO
660.621.0121
George Schupback - 660.621.0121
Lane & Morgan Springer -
660.621.2651
Lane & Morgan Springer - 660.621.2651