Breed Percentage and Utilizing the Progeny Calculator
Last year the American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) held several conversations about the way the association displays breed percentage for each animal within the AGA herdbook. It was ultimately decided, and voted on by the membership, to simplify how breed makeup is displayed and only publish breed percentage on animals within the AGA Online Registry Service.
How are Gelbvieh and Gelbvieh-influenced animals designated?

Designations for fullblood, purebred, Balancer® and Southern Balancer™ have not changed and neither have the rules regarding how breed percentage is passed down to progeny. Animals are still designated in the following categories:

Fullblood (FB)= 100.0% Gelbvieh and can only be the result of two fullblood parents.

Purebred (PB)= 81.6-99.9% Gelbvieh. Animals who are 91.1-99.9% Gelbvieh will contribute 50% Gelbvieh breed composition to their progeny.

Balancer® = 25-75% Gelbvieh and 25-75% Angus or Red Angus with no more than 12.5% unknown or other breed.

Southern BalancerTM = Minimum of 25% Gelbvieh and 6.25-50% Tropically adapted breed or combination of breeds.
Examples: Beefmaster, Braford, Brahman, Brangus, Red Brangus, Senepol, and Santa Gertudis
How do I calculate the percentage of future progeny?

By utilizing the steps provided below to determine the amount of Gelbvieh percentage each parent will contribute you can easily calculate the Gelbvieh percentage of future offspring.

As mentioned above, the percent Gelbvieh breed composition passed down to progeny from parents did not change.

Progeny receive Gelbvieh breed percentage using the following rules:

  • Animals with 91.1% or higher Gelbvieh percentage will contribute 50% Gelbvieh breed composition to their progeny.

  • Animals with 91% or lower Gelbvieh percentage will contribute half of their Gelbvieh breed composition to their progeny

Example:

Sire – 93.75% Gelbvieh - contributes 50% Gelbvieh to offspring

Offspring (50% from sire + 25% from Dam) = 75% Gelbvieh

Dam – 50% Gelbvieh - contributes 25% Gelbvieh genes to offspring





Sire – 88% Gelbvieh - contributes 44% Gelbvieh to offspring

Offspring (44% from sire + 25% from Dam) = 69% Gelbvieh

Dam – 50% Gelbvieh - contributes 25% Gelbvieh genes to offspring

Is there a faster way to see calculations for my entire herd using more than one potential sire?

Yes! You can. By utilizing the Progeny Calculator found on the AGA Online Registry Service, active members can calculate the estimated Gelbvieh percentage of progeny from two potential sires mated to their entire herd, or select females all at the same time. In addition to the Gelbvieh percentage, members will also be able to see estimated EPDs of potential progeny based on potential mating options within your herd.

The progeny calculator can be used by following a few easy steps:

1. Log into your account within the AGA Online Registry Service

2. On the left, locate and select the red arrow beside “Tools”

3. Select the red arrow beside “Prog Calc” that appears under “Tool”

4. Select “Bull” to run potential sires to your entire list of active cows, or a select few.

5. Select “Female” if to run potential cows to all sires within your Quick Sire inventory.
How do I test prospective bulls as potential sires within my herd?

Once you’re in the Progeny Calculator “Bull” page, you will see a section on the left and a section on the right asking for the potential sires registration numbers.

1. Select your potential sire:

a. Option 1: Select “View List” to enter a bull currently listed within your AGA online registry account.

b. Option 2: Enter the AMGV registration number of a sire you are considering mating to your herd.

2. Select Retrieve this Bull’s Information.

3. Repeat Steps 1-2 on the right side of the screen.

4. From the list of females active within your account provided in the middle of your screen select the female(s) you would like to see potential records for by selecting the box provided under “Calculate this Cow”

5. Once both bull registration numbers are entered, and females are selected, find and click “Calculate Progeny EPDs based on these bulls” located in the center of
your screen below the definition chart.

Once the numbers have been calculated you have the opportunity to view/print the information in an excel sheet, or PDF for your convenience. Using an excel sheet would then provide you with the availability to sort out any prospective mating to the potential sire based on your breeding objectives for specific EPDs or Gelbvieh percentages.
Can I run my bulls to any cow within the system?

As you prepare for an upcoming sale and catch glimpse of a female you’re considering as your next foundation female, you can test her against sires already listed within your herd.

To run a cow, not already in your active herd, to any sires currently listed within your herd simply select “Female” under the “Progeny Calc” drop down as referenced above.

1. Once the Female calculator appears, simply enter her registration number under
“Cow Registration #” and select “Retrieve this Cow’s Information”

2. Bulls may be sorted by “All My Bulls”, “My Sires”, “My Semen Inventory” as well as a few others.

3. Select the bulls under consideration and select “Calculate Progeny EPDs based on this cow”.
Want more information?

For more information or questions regarding breed percentage or using the progeny calculator, contact the AGA office at 303-465-2333.
American Gelbvieh Association | 303-465-2333 | [email protected]