When selecting bulls for the production of replacement heifers, we would recommend using bulls that are above breed average but are not extremely high in traits such as Yearling Weight EPD. Extremely high yearling weights generally equate to larger mature weights, which is rarely what is needed in commercial cows. The selection emphasis on bulls to be used to produce replacements should be on bulls that are intermediate on a lot of traits but not extreme in any trait. Better-than-average calving ease and below-average birth weight EPDs are desirable, but the extremely low birth weight generally results in frail replacements that lack the volume, depth, and capacity to produce longevity and stayability as commercial cows. Direct calving ease (a measure of how easily a sire or dam's progeny will be born) is slightly negatively correlated with maternal or daughter's calving ease (a measure of how well a sire's daughters will calve). One should select bulls for production of replacement heifers that excel in both direct and maternal calving ease. Maternal calving ease is an important trait for replacement females. Review the breed average EPDs for the breed you are interested in by going to that breed's Web site, or you can check most of the AI stud directories for the breed average EPDs. Emphasis should also be given to important traits for which we do not have EPDs, such as teat and udder structure, foot soundness, volume, depth of rib, capacity, and disposition.

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