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animals as parents across herds. Con- temporary groups are usually formed for each trait and are based on animals born in the same year, in the same herd and in the same season. The con- temporary groups for AAA also include a user-defined contemporary group for animals that a breeder has managed differently in their operation. This might include calves of first-calf heifers if a producer separates those females from the mature cow herd, or sick animals a producer has separated from the herd to give special care. Percent Akaushi is also included to differentiate purebred Akaushi animals from percent- age cattle. One of the many benefits of working with Neogen as a genetic service provider is the potential to customize the genetic evaluation for traits that are of specific im- portance to AAA breeders. EPDs were cre- ated for the standard traits: birth weight, weaning weight, milk and calving ease. Also included are estimates for carcass weight and ribeye area. As carcass quality

is of particular importance to AAA, custom EPDs for Yield Grade and Quality Grade were also created. Most breeds rely on ul- trasound of yearling bulls for the majority of their carcass estimates. AAA is unique in the fact that a large number of actual carcass records are available and included in the EPD calculations. Also new to the AAA genetic selection toolbox is an index value that allows breeders to select for multiple EPDs simulta- neously. Selecting for multiple traits 

It all began when a French cattleman bought a farm in Georgia...

®

FPL Food is the Southeast’s one-of-a-kind source for sustainable beef. Privately owned and operated, this producer and processor pairs French provincial farming traditions with a dedication to providing quality beef.

Expanding our Akaushi Beef Program We buy DNA verified calves

We buy DNA verified calves.

Raised without any growth implants, ionophores or promotants Weaned and backgrounded for at least 45 days. We buy feeder calves as well as finished fed cattle

For more information visit: FPLFOOD.COM

Call us today! 706.922.5528

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www.akaushi.com • Summer 2019