DENVER, Colo. (March 16, 2011) Limousin breeders recognized the importance of temperament in the early 1990s and since that time have greatly improved temperament of Limousin cattle. Developing the first docility Expected Progeny Difference (EPD) in 1994, the North American Limousin Foundation (NALF) led the way in producing cattle that can work from the west coast to the east coast.
Evaluating the genetic trend since the early 90's will show that Limousin's average docility score EPD has increased over nine fold. Docility is important to every segment of the beef industry and can have an effect on production and acceptance throughout the beef industry.
"Limousin has been the leader in addressed the docility issue for over 20 years within the beef industry," said Mike Smith, NALF President. "I am pleased that the Limousin breed addressed this issue years ago, while other breeds are facing the issue today."
Docility is important whether it is at calving, weaning, yearling, hauling, or at the bunk. Poor temperament can cause damage, stress and losses in performance. Temperament can land you on a no-buy list or lead to discounts. So, is docility important to you? If it isn't, then it should be.
"Limousin cattle perform in the pasture, in the yards and on the rail," said Smith. "They are easy calving, add pounds, perform in the feedyards with lower feed intake, and are higher yielding."
Contact [email protected] to request the docility genetic trend.
The North American Limousin Foundation (www.nalf.org), headquartered in Centennial, Colo., provides programs and services - including genetic evaluation of 5,000 active sires - to more than 3,000 members and their commercial customers. The Limousin breed and its Lim-Flex® hybrid lead the beef industry in muscle-growth efficiency and ideally complement British breeds.
