A multi-breed evaluation cannot be done with one breed. There have to be some common denominators from somewhere and the Shorthorn has that with the Durham Reds because of the Red Angus.
We have proven before that the BIF adjustments are not very accurate, but we have no other method for trying to adjust or compare EPD traits.
Another difference is that there are several different evaluations performed. Simmental, AGI, Colorado State, ABRI, just to name a few. Also understand that the same bull in each of these evaluations will have different EPDs calculated because of the cows he was bred to, the performance and number of the offspring.
Also understand that the evaluation models that are used by all of these groups all do the evaluations pretty well alike. The biggest hurdle is that it will be virtually impossible for all of the beef associations and registries to combine their data for a true multi-breed evaluation. The dairy industry's evaluations are all performed by USDA, but even with them there is more than one base that is not the same for each dairy breed.
As for raw data for birth weight, while some may want to view it, we all would like to see what a calf weighed when he was born, but there are too many factors that even looking at a birth weight won't work.
Management styles are different between producers. A calf could weigh 60 lbs in one herd and 90 lbs in another. How was the mother cared for and her rate, kind and type of diet and what region of the US, time of year was it prior to her calving?
It is even understandable that producers that have more than one breed can't directly compare them to each other. There is nothing preventing these producers from seeking a solution that would give them EPDs in such a way that animals regardless of breed or breed composition can be directly compared.
The EPD for birth weight is supposed to take all of these factors into consideration when it is calculated.
