Page 9 - Dandaloo Sale Catalogue eBook.pdf

Understanding Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs), Selection Indexes and Accuracy
EBVs to 200 days and for age of dam. This EBV is the best single estimate
Calving Ease EBVs (%) are based on calving difficulty scores, of an animal’s genetic merit for growth to early ages.
birth weights and gestation length information. More positive EBVs 400-Day Weight EBV (kg) is calculated from the weight of
are favourable and indicate easier calving. progeny taken between 301 and 500 days of age, adjusted to 400
CE % Direct = Direct Calving Ease - The EBV for direct calving days and for age of dam. This EBV is the best single estimate of an
ease indicates the influence of the sire on calving ease in purebred animal’s genetic merit for yearling weight.
females calving at two years of age. 600-Day Weight EBV (kg) is calculated from the weight of progeny
CE % Daughters = Daughters’ Calving Ease - The EBV for taken between 501 and 900 days of age, adjusted to 600 days and for
daughters’ calving ease indicates how easily that sire’s daughters age of dam. This EBV is the best single estimate of an animal’s genetic
will calve at two years of age. merit for growth beyond yearling age.
Gestation Length EBV (days) is an estimate of the time from Mature Cow Weight EBV (kg) is based on the cow weight when
conception to the birth of the calf and is based on AI and hand the calf is weighed for weaning, adjusted to 5 years of age. This
mating records. Lower (negative) GL EBVs indicate shorter EBV is an estimate of the genetic difference in cow weight at 5 years
gestation length and therefore easier calving and increased growth of age and is an indicator of growth at later ages and potential feed
after birth. maintenance requirements of the females in the breeding herd.
Birth Weight EBV (kg) is based on the measured birth weight Steer breeders wishing to grow animals out to a larger weight may
of progeny, adjusted for dam age. The lower the value, the lighter also use the Mature Cow Weight EBV.
the calf at birth and the lower the likelihood of a difficult birth. This Milk EBV (kg) is an estimate of an animal’s milking ability. For
is particularly important when selecting sires for use over heifers. sires, this EBV indicates the effect of the daughter’s milking ability,
200-Day Growth EBV (kg) is calculated from the weight of inherited from the sire, on the 200-day weights of her calves. For
progeny taken between 80 and 300 days of age. Values are adjusted dams, it indicates her milking ability.
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