Written by Allen R. Williams, Ph.D.

For over a decade there has been confusion among cattlemen regarding the results of live animal carcass ultrasound and how to interpret data collected between seedstock producers. In no trait is this confusion more notable than with %IMF. (intramuscular fat or marbling). This particular trait measurement is heavily impacted by several factors, including bull masculinity, degree of nutrition and bull activity (related to masculinity). These factors can greatly impact the degree to which IMF is expressed – although they do not, in any way, change the genetic potential.

Bull Masculinity and Activity

To read about the proceedings from the 2002 Senepol Research Symposium that was held on St. Croix please click the attached link.

http://rps.uvi.edu/AES/Senepol/Reports.html
http://rps.uvi.edu/AES/Senepol/Reports.html

The concept of EPDs was first introduced to Senepol producers over 10 years
ago with the first publication of a National Sire Evaluation. An Expected Progeny
Difference (EPD) is an estimate of the genetic merit of an animal as a parent

Dr. John Hough, Chief Science Officer, EPD International, Inc.

Several factors influence a calf's weaning weight. Some are genetic while others
are environmental in nature. Environmental factors include grain or forage type,

Dr. John Hough, EPD International

Accurate pedigree and performance information going into the Senepol Cattle Breeders Association’s performance program is essential in calculating accurate EPDs. Accurate weights,

Dr. John Hough, EPD International, Statham, Georgia

The basic concepts of genetic improvement of livestock were established
in the 1930's. Much research has been conducted in the past half-century

In the 1800s N'Dama Cattle were imported to the Caribbean Island of St. Croix from Senegal, West Africa. St. Croix is the largest and Southernmost of the U.S. Virgin Islands, located roughly 1200 miles Southeast of Miami, Florida. The N'Dama, a Bos taurus breed, was well suited for the Caribbean because of it's heat tolerance, insect & disease resistance and the ability to thrive on poor quality forage.

Dr. John Hough, Chief Science Officer, EPD International, Inc.

Cattle can be directly compared genetically only if they have been raised
together and have been given the same opportunity to perform. In other words,

Dr. John Hough, Chief Science Officer, EPD International, Inc.

Every EPD has an associated accuracy value. Accuracies range from 0 to 1 and relate to the degree of reliability of an EPD estimate. All EPDs are estimates of an animal's true genetic worth. The EPDs with high accuracies are more dependable estimates of the animal's true genetic worth, while EPDs with low accuracies are less dependable estimates of its true genetic makeup.