Page 10 - Dandaleith Angus Sale 2021 ebook

they can only be used to compare animals analysed within the same analysis. CE % Daughters = Daughters’ Calving Ease - The EBV for daughters’ calving
Consequently, TACE EBVs cannot be validly compared with EBVs for any ease indicates how easily that sire’s daughters will calve at two years of age.
other breed. Gestation Length EBV (days) is an estimate of the time from conception to the
Although EBVs provide an estimate of an animal’s genetic merit for a range birth of the calf and is based on AI and hand mating records. Lower (negative)
of production traits, they do not provide information for all of the traits that GL EBVs indicate shorter gestation length and therefore easier calving and
must be considered during selection of functional animals. In all situations, increased growth after birth.
EBVs should be used in conjunction with visual assessment for other traits Birth Weight EBV (kg) is based on the measured birth weight of progeny,
of importance (such as structural soundness, temperament, fertility etc). A adjusted for dam age. The lower the value, the lighter the calf at birth and
recommended practice is to firstly select breeding stock based on EBVs and the lower the likelihood of a difficult birth. This is particularly important when
to then select from this group to ensure that the final selections are otherwise selecting sires for use over heifers.
acceptable. 200-Day Growth EBV (kg) is calculated from the weight of progeny taken
EBVs are published for a range of traits covering fertility, calving ease, milking between 80 and 300 days of age. Values are adjusted to 200 days and for age
ability, growth, carcase merit and feed efficiency. When using EBVs to assist in of dam. This EBV is the best single estimate of an animal’s genetic merit for
selection decisions it is important to achieve a balance between the different growth to early ages.
groups of traits and to place emphasis on those traits that are important to
the particular herd, markets and environment. One of the advantages of 400-Day Weight EBV (kg) is calculated from the weight of progeny taken
having a comprehensive range of EBVs is that it is possible to avoid extremes between 301 and 500 days of age, adjusted to 400 days and for age of dam.
in particular traits and select for animals with balanced overall performance. This EBV is the best single estimate of an animal’s genetic merit for yearling
weight.
Calving Ease EBVs (%) are based on calving difficulty scores, birth weights 600-Day Weight EBV (kg) is calculated from the weight of progeny taken
and gestation length information. More positive EBVs are favourable and between 501 and 900 days of age, adjusted to 600 days and for age of dam.
indicate easier calving.
This EBV is the best single estimate of an animal’s genetic merit for growth
CE % Direct = Direct Calving Ease - The EBV for direct calving ease beyond yearling age.
indicates the influence of the sire on calving ease in purebred females Mature Cow Weight EBV (kg) is based on the cow weight when the calf is
calving at two years of age.
10