Red Angus genetic evaluations are continually updated to reflect the most accurate and relevant data available to producers. This page serves as a resource for understanding recent and upcoming Expected Progeny Difference (EPD) and economic index releases, including changes to trait definitions, evaluation methodologies and reporting practices.
These updates are designed to improve the accuracy, transparency, and usability of genetic information while maintaining consistency in selection intent. All EPDs and indexes are developed using industry-accepted science and multi-trait genetic evaluation systems, incorporating pedigree, performance and genomic data when available.
As new evaluations are released, producers are encouraged to review supporting materials and consider how updated genetic tools fit within their individual production goals, environments, and management systems. Red Angus remains committed to providing practical, data-driven tools that help breeders and commercial cattlemen make informed, confident selection decisions.
Our partnership with International Genetic Solutions (IGS) has led to important advancements in trait development. Along with the recent update of Dry Matter Intake, IGS has introduced a new index called $GAIN.
$GAIN predicts animals that are more profitable in the feedlot by efficiently converting feed into weight. It combines the DMI EPD and Average Daily Gain (ADG) EPD, where ADG is weighted by the value of a pound of gain and DMI is negatively weighted by the cost of a pound of dry matter. A higher $GAIN value means more profit per head per day during the post-weaning period.
In September 2024, RAAA Board approved the release of the $GAIN Index to members but chose not to integrate it into the current suite of EPDS. Instead, it’s available as a downloadable report featuring the top sires by progeny count, including their $GAIN Index and accuracy values. The report will be updated monthly as IGS completes evaluations.
Download the csv file or the Excel file.
For questions, contact Director of Breed Improvement, A.J. Knowles, at aj@redangus.org or 940-387-3502 ext. 39.
Following a vote by the Board of Directors at the September 2025 board meeting, new EPDs from International Genetic Solutions will be replacing similar EPDs that are currently updated quarterly by Colorado State University. The first of these to roll out is Mature Weight (MW), which will replace Maintenance Energy (ME).
Members may note that not all animals receive an EPD at this time, but that will change as the trait progresses from its beta release to full production runs in the coming weeks. Currently, only animals included in the evaluation will receive a value for the MW EPD. Parental average EPDs will be released once the trait is released into production. It is important to note that as the trait becomes released in full, EPD blanking will go into effect with the trait under the Growth Traits group. For this trait group, all EPDs corresponding to growth are blanked if any trait falls below the minimum 0.15 accuracy threshold. Members can increase EPD accuracy by adding phenotypic records or submitting a DNA sample for genotyping.
Expected progeny differences for this trait are currently scheduled for release on Dec. 17, where members note that ME is being replaced with the new, genomically-enhanced MW EPD. This EPD will be expressed as the difference in pounds of mature cow body weight at 6 years old at a body condition score 5. MW’s value can be used as an indicator of cow size at maturity, with higher values indicating heavier daughters at maturity. The opposite is also true, with lower MW EPDs indicating lower mature weights. This trait is economically relevant, as it has been shown that cow costs increase with larger mature weights.
For example:
Bull A MW EPD = 70
Bull B MW EPD = 110
In this scenario, we can expect that Bull B’s daughters will be about 40 lbs. heavier at maturity than Bull A’s daughters.
Members are encouraged to collect and submit mature weights on their entire cowherd and to weigh each animal each year from the ages of 2 to 12. Members should weigh all cows on the same day and within 45 days of weaning their calf in order to facilitate larger contemporary groups. It's important to collect body condition scores on the herd at the same time, as they are required in order to submit a mature weight record.
As part of the development process, all EPDs undergo rigorous testing and validation procedures to ensure accurate values are released to members. Once EPDs are released into production, members are encouraged to review the predictions for mature weight. Members with questions or feedback on this evaluation should contact the RAAA Director of Breed Improvement at aj@redangus.org.