The primary function of the Canadian Limousin Association is to
maintain the herd book of pedigree and performance information for
Limousin breeders in Canada. As the breed has evolved and expanded, so
has the need to upgrade procedures for collecting, submitting and
processing animal information.
NEW UPDATES
Spring 2008
Breed Average EPD
Spring 2008
International Limousin Genetic Evaluation
Gene Plan is basically an "information highway" for breeders and users
of Limousin genetics. This includes the exchange of pedigree information
between each individual member and CLA, between CLA and the University
of Georgia and between CLA and all users of Limousin genetics through
the International Limousin Genetic Evaluation Manual. The Gene Plan
Program allows genetic evaluation of groups of cattle based on
performance data.
Gene Plan is a multi-stage program that requires breeders to submit data
over the course of the year, after birth weights, weaning weights, and
yearling weights have been taken. This data should include information
on all of the breeder's animals. While information can be submitted at
any time, the CLA strongly suggests that data be reported immediately
following each phase of production. As producers submit information, the
CLA processes the data and returns forms for submitting the next phase
of production, as well as, ranks, indices, and EPD's on a
Weaning/Yearling Report and Weaning/Yearling Sire Summary.
Gene Plan data is submitted twice per year to the International Cattle
Evaluation program at the University of Georgia. Performance data from
calves does not contribute to the calculation of EPD's for parents of
the calves until it is processed through the International Limousin
Genetic Evaluation at the University of Georgia. Also, in order for the
accuracies of EPD's to be upgraded from predicted "P" to a numeric
value, the University of Georgia must evaluate performance and group
information. Important dates to remember are June 1st and November 1st.
These are the cut-off dates for data to be submitted and processed
error-free, in order to be included in the next International
evaluation.
Genetic improvement is for people who want to selectively breed
livestock. EPD's are simply a summarization of pedigree and performance
information submitted by Limousin breeders. Both can be achieved by
utilizing the CLA Gene Plan Performance Program.
Active members of the CLA Association may take advantage of this
beneficial program by contacting our office, request to be enrolled in
the Gene Plan Performance Program and have the forms sent to them.