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, 2011.
- 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, 2012.
- 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
Natural Service Sires Born After Jan. 1 2011 Need a DNA Profile
In November 2010 the AHA Board implemented a policy requiring DNA on all future walking herd sires. Therefore, any sire born after Jan. 1, 2011, must have DNA on file at the official AHA lab — GeneSeek Inc. — prior to registering calves out of that bull.
>> more information
GE-EPD Update
On April 9, 2013, the American Hereford Association (AHA) released new genomic-enhanced expected progeny differences (GE-EPDs) based on new correlations updated because of the addition of more than 2,000 animals with 50K genotypes. >> Read more
DNA Testing Update
Check out these DNA testing resources:
• DNA Testing Procedures Fact Sheet
• How to Collect Samples video
To request DNA kits or for more information, contact Toni Shapiro at 816-842-3757 or tshapiro@hereford.org.
