Dams of Distinction
The Dams of Distinction program recognizes superior cows in the breed and the cattle producers who manage them based on data submitted to the American Hereford Association (AHA). Efficient, fertile and productive females are the foundation of the most successful cow herds.To be honored as a Dam of Distinction, a cow must have:
- Weaned a calf born since Jan. 1, 2008.
- Produced at least three calves.
- Initially calved at 30 months of age or less.
- Had an interval between the first and second calves of no greater than 400 days. In addition, a 370-day calving interval must have been maintained after her second calf. The longer initial calving interval allows breeders to calve 2-year-old heifers prior to the mature cow herd.
- Had weaning records submitted to the AHA Whole Herd Total Performance Records (TPR™) Program for every calf produced that was born before June 30, 2009.
- Had a progeny average 205-day adjusted weaning weight ratio of at least 105.
A cow receiving the Dam of Distinction honor is a cow that meets the highest standards of commercial cattle production. The cow must do her job, but also her owner must manage the herd correctly to give her the opportunity to excel. Only a few active cows are recognized. All heifers have the potential to be a Dam of Distinction, but only a small percentage fit the job description of an ideal cow year in and year out.
Females attaining the Dam of Distinction status are recognized with “DOD” after their names when doing an animal or EPD inquiry on Hereford.org.
Latest News
Watch Hereford Educational Videos
AHA has released two educational videos about EPDs. They are the first in a series of educational video that will be posted to the Hereford YouTube channel.
>> Dorian Garrick explaining the basics of EPDs.
>> Hereford's suite of EPDs and indexes.
Spring 2012 EPDs Online
The Spring 2012 Hereford expected progeny differences (EPDs) are now online. Click here to search the new data. Updated Trends, Trait Leaders and Distributions are also posted.
Educational Forum Video Available
Hereford enthusiasts can order a copy of the 2011 Educational Forum at HerefordPhotoShop.com. The forum featured presentations on genomics, EPDs and reproduction by Dorian Garrick, Matt Spangler and Bill Beal.
