Which EPD reflects the maternal effect on weaning weight?

Which EPD reflects the maternal effect on weaning weight?

• A. Calving ease
• B. Weaning weight
• C. Maternal weaning weight
• D. Birth Weight

Answer: (C)

In EPDs, we separate what the calf inherits for growth directly from what the dam contributes through maternal factors like milk and mothering ability. Weaning weight is influenced by both the calf’s own growth genes (direct effect) and the dam’s ability to feed and care for the calf (maternal effect). The maternal weaning weight EPD specifically measures the portion of weaning weight that comes from the dam’s maternal influence—milk production, udder quality, and general maternal care. This is different from the weaning weight EPD, which captures the calf’s own growth potential, and from birth weight, which reflects birth size and isn’t about the dam’s influence on weaning. Calving ease relates to birth process, not weaning weight. So the maternal weaning weight EPD is the one that reflects the maternal effect on weaning weight.

In EPDs, we separate what the calf inherits for growth directly from what the dam contributes through maternal factors like milk and mothering ability. Weaning weight is influenced by both the calf’s own growth genes (direct effect) and the dam’s ability to feed and care for the calf (maternal effect). The maternal weaning weight EPD specifically measures the portion of weaning weight that comes from the dam’s maternal influence—milk production, udder quality, and general maternal care. This is different from the weaning weight EPD, which captures the calf’s own growth potential, and from birth weight, which reflects birth size and isn’t about the dam’s influence on weaning. Calving ease relates to birth process, not weaning weight. So the maternal weaning weight EPD is the one that reflects the maternal effect on weaning weight.