Executive Summary
accurate results with the new evaluation process . BOLT will also provide weekly EPD updates when it is released this year . We should expect narrower ranges for EPDs with less standard deviation . There will be some decrease accuracies on cattle , but they will more truly represent what the real accuracies are on individuals .
Amen updated on additional details on BOLT including the following :
• Breed contrast will make more sense in the BOLT test evaluations .
• Calving ease and growth traits will be estimated from the IGS cooperating breed data .
• Carcass traits will utilize US-MARC data based off 2014 contrast .
• Development is underway of “ Master Database ” for breeds to upload new and changed records to eliminate extract errors .
• Inclusion of ET animals ( methodology already deployed in Hereford BOLT ).
Additionally , thank you to the members who are engaged and participating in the newly restructured LIMS program redesigned last year by the NALF board and staff . The value of whole herd reporting and turning in weight trait data along with registering the whole herd improves the value of EPD evaluation tremendously . The restructure of the LIMS program has been a success thanks to the membership and will help with EPD prediction value as the breed moves forward over the next decade . Reporting your whole heard increases EPD accuracy and turning in all your cattle also helps your EPD ’ s on superior cattle by reporting the bottom end as well .
14 | MARCH 2018
The NALF board and staff looks forward to serving you in 2018 . Please don ’ t hesitate to call the NALF staff with any questions you may have regarding services or questions moving into the future . Congratulations to newly elected directors , Bruce Lawrence , Wade Beckman , Charles Linhart and Randy Corns . We would also like to thank our retiring 2-term president Bret Begert , retiring NALF directors Dennis Alt , Chris Milam , Fred Wacker and 2-term ex-officio Chad Settje for all their hard work and dedication to the breed . I