In your next calf-crop, half of the genes will be from sires used during the last breeding season. While you will always shop for structurally correct animals with thickness, rib and volume, when it comes to traits for which EPDs are available, here are some thoughts you may want to keep in mind. Different sires are needed for different purposes. For example, consider the three sire prospects in Table 2.
Different situations require different bulls.
EPD Weaning Weight EPD Yearling Weight EPD Milking Ability EPD Total Maternal EPD Scrotal Circum. EPD Stayability EPD Docility EPD Adj. Thus, he should only be bred to mature cows, in order to avoid calving difficulty. The negative milking ability, lower total maternal and stayability EPDs are not of concern, since no daughters will be retained for replacement. If available, carcass EPDs should also be considered.