Ultrasound-measured ribeye area (REA)
expected progeny differences (EPD) were
calculated for 2974 Brangus cattle. Carcass
data were collected from 168 steer progeny
sired by eight bulls with ultrasound-measured
ribeye area EPDs. A heritability estimate of
.40 for ultrasound-measured REA and a 2.82
sq. in. range in genetic differences in ultrasound-
measured REAs in this population
indicate considerable opportunity to make
genetic change in this trait. The regression of
progeny average carcass REA on the sire's
ultrasound measured ribeye area EPD indicated
that for each square inch change in the EPD,
the carcass REA of their progeny changed by
.69 sq. in. The ultrasound-measured ribeye
area EPD of young breeding stock appears to
be a reasonably good predictor of their
progeny's carcass ribeye area.
