Hot Off the Presses

Exciting new data is confirming what I have long believed about the Littlerobe Angus cow herd. With the upcoming release of the FL EPD, our participation in Maternal Plus® provided an early look at our herd’s numbers—and the results validate the breeding principles we’ve built this program around for the last 78 years. Our herd’s FL EPD average currently ranks above the breed average, reinforcing that these cattle have been developed with a unique genetic foundation that prioritizes maternal function and longevity.

And there’s more good news for the ranch on cow efficiency. Many people are begining to say, “Cows are getting too big for the country,” meaning mature size and nutritional needs have outpaced what many environments can support. But our data tells a different story. Littlerobe Angus cows are below breed average for Dry Matter Intake (DMI) and Mature Weight (MW) EPDs while holding slightly above average for Weaning Weight (WW) EPDs. The question in my mind has been whether DMI EPDs—stemming from feedlot cattle data—apply to mature cows on low-quality forage. According to Dr. David Lalman of OSU, they do. Seeing that play out in our own herd proves these cows are built to last—without demanding more than the environment can provide.

At the end of the day, these genetics are proving their worth where it matters most—balancing maternal longevity and efficiency with increased productivity in a way that directly impacts profitability.

Dale Jenkins
Owner/Operator
Littlerobe Angus Ranch

Article Sources: https://beefimprovement.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/24Proceedings_Lalman.pdf

What is the Functional Longevity Research EPD?

The Functional Longevity (FL) research EPD predicts the number of calves a sire’s daughter is expected to produce by six years of age, compared to other sires’ daughters in the population. The term "functional" highlights the importance of cows staying in the herd and producing a calf each year.