Simmental Bulls Performance Assessment

Blaine French presents a class on evaluating Simmental Bulls, focusing on performance data and EPDs. The class includes a detailed explanation of EPDs, a scenario for bull selection, and evaluations of four bulls based on phenotype and data. Recommendations are provided for selecting bulls for specific breeding goals.

What is the primary focus of the Simmental Bulls class?

• Understanding genetic mutations

• Learning about Simmental Bulls' performance

• Studying animal nutrition

• Exploring dairy cattle breeds

Which EPD is directly related to calving ease?

• Weaning weight

• Yearling weight

• Calving ease

• Milk production

What is the significance of the API in Simmental cattle?

• It is the all-purpose index for overall performance

• It evaluates the animal's speed

• It measures the animal's color

• It determines the animal's lifespan

In the context of the scenario, why is birth weight an important EPD?

• It is crucial for breeding with first-calf heifers

• It affects the color of the calves

• It determines the lifespan of the bulls

• It influences the growth rate of the bulls

What is the primary revenue source for the operation in the scenario?

• Selling show stock and yearling bulls

• Selling dairy products

• Breeding for meat production

• Exporting cattle overseas

Which bull is noted for having a high birth weight EPD, posing a potential issue?

• Bull number two

• Bull number one

• Bull number three

• Bull number four

What is a key characteristic of bull number two?

• High growth and carcass figures

• Exceptional show stock appearance

• High birth weight EPD

• Low input and moderate size

Which bull is noted for having strong growth and carcass EPDs?

• Bull number three

• Bull number four

• Bull number two

• Bull number one

Which bull is described as having a strong show stock appearance?

• Bull number one

• Bull number four

• Bull number two

• Bull number three

What is the final ranking of the bulls according to the assessment?

• 4-2-3-1

• 2-3-4-1

• 1-2-3-4

• 3-1-2-4