Which concept describes the differences in progeny due to genetics?

• A. EPD
• B. Pedigree
• C. Genotype
• D. Allele

Answer: (A)

Differences in progeny due to genetics are captured by the Expected Progeny Difference. EPD is the estimated genetic contribution a parent is expected to pass on to its offspring for a specific trait, so it directly quantifies how future progeny are likely to differ because of the parent’s genes. It’s calculated from performance data, family relationships, and progeny records to reflect additive genetic merit, letting breeders compare animals for selection.

Pedigree shows who is related to whom, but it doesn’t quantify how much progeny will differ based on genetics. Genotype describes an individual’s actual genetic makeup, not a forecast of offspring performance. Allele is a gene variant, a piece of the genetic puzzle, but on its own it doesn’t summarize how much offspring are expected to differ genetically.