American-International Charolais Association (AICA) AccuSire Progeny Testing Program 

The American-International Charolais Association (AICA) recently introduced the AccuSire Progeny Testing Program. This program offers AICA members the opportunity to enhance the accuracy of their genetics & EPDs through the collection of standardized ranch-level, feedlot, and harvest data. In collaboration with West Texas A&M University (WTAMU), sire owners can nominate bulls by contributing frozen semen, which will be used to breed cows in the WTAMU research herd in May. 

The resulting calves will undergo genotyping and be measured for a comprehensive range of phenotypic traits throughout their lifecycle, including: 

• Birthweight 
• Weaning Weight 
• Yearling Weight 
• Carcass Ultrasound 
• Feed Intake 
• Foot Structure 
• Docility 
• Calf Vigor 
• Complete Harvest Records 

Increasing the accuracy of AICA EPDs holds many benefits for young sires, including more significant genetic improvement and faster progress in desirable traits within the Charolais breed. This clearer indication of the genetic potential benefits seedstock producers in allowing the matching of sires and dams more effectively, improving the consistency and performance of their herd across generations. Bull buyers benefit from increased accuracy by reducing the risk of using genetics that may not meet performance expectations, helping to avoid costly mistakes. 

By participating in this program, members can significantly increase the accuracy of their registered Charolais sires while gaining valuable insights into how their genetics perform throughout the beef production process. Data collection fees will apply, and the program will be limited to ten bulls in its inaugural year. For more information or to enroll a sire, contact:

Maggie Smithee msmithee@charolaisusa.com or call (816) 464-2474 ext. 401

Sarah Almond salmond@charolaisusa.com or call (816) 464-2474 ext. 402