Evaluation of Beef Carcass Merit With Ultrasound

Carcass EPDs are becoming common in this era when more economically important traits are being added to national cattle evaluation programs. Traditionally, carcass traits were evaluated solely using progeny tests. One limitation to progeny testing is, of course, cost. Also, for bulls to be evaluated in such a program, he must produce progeny on which carcass data are collected. This is a process that typically requires about two years beginning at the point when a bull is, at a minimum of 13 to 15 months of age. Bulls are typically at least 3 to 4 years of age before carcass data are available from his progeny that can be used for national cattle evaluation. A more efficient method would provide carcass EPD on bulls at younger ages.