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Breeding Philosophy

At 2XL Cattle Company, our breeding program is designed to produce maternal-oriented Angus cattle that thrive in real-world conditions. Over the years, we have refined our herd to a high level of consistency, allowing us to make breeding decisions with confidence.

Our Approach to Breeding

  • 100% AI Program – Every mating is carefully selected with no reliance on herd bulls. This allows us to optimize genetic progress while maintaining uniformity across our cow herd.
  • Selective Use of Embryo Transfer (ET) – While we still use ET, we rely less on it now that our entire herd meets a high genetic standard.
  • Proven Cow Power – We prioritize donor cows that have demonstrated longevity, fertility, and structural soundness, regardless of their EPD profile.
  • 100% Genomic Testing – Every animal is tested, ensuring accurate EPDs, but we also recognize the importance of "un-measurables" like structural integrity, adaptability, and mothering ability.

Maternal Focus

  • Feet, Udders, and Fertility First – These traits are the foundation of a productive, long-lasting cow herd.
  • AAA Foot Score EPDs & Proven Foot Quality – We actively use Claw and Angle EPDs in bull selection but also place strong emphasis on bulls with a track record of improving feet, either through their own phenotype or through a lineage known for sound structure.
  • Teat, Udder & Longevity Data Collection – We contribute herd data to help AAA refine future udder and teat EPDs and actively support the development of the Functional Longevity trait, which captures the key traits that keep cows in production: feet, udder, and fertility. Our participation in AAA’s Maternal Plus program ensures complete, high-quality data on every female in our herd, improving the accuracy of genetic evaluations.

Selection Criteria

We take a well-balanced approach to selection, emphasizing:

  • Adequate Growth – We target WW and YW EPDs that ensure performance without pushing extremes.
  • Moderate Birth Weights – CED and BW EPDs are carefully managed to ensure calving ease without sacrificing growth.
  • Sound Feet & Structure – Claw, Angle, and MH EPDs guide our selection for longevity and functionality.
  • Docility & Fertility – DOC, HP, and SC remain top priorities to ensure calm, productive, and breed-leading maternal lines.
  • Bull Selection Criteria – We expect bulls to come from elite maternal lines. Ideally, we want to see a picture of the dam, but at minimum, the bull’s footnotes should highlight the strengths of the female lineage or come from a cow family known for producing exceptional females.

Our goal is simple: efficient, problem-free cows that thrive in commercial operations. By focusing on maternal excellence, we are building a herd that lasts.