Page 6 - Hinewaka Shorthorns Catalogue ebook

Explanatory Notes Sale Catalogues

Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs)
An estimated Breeding Value EBV is an estimate of the genetic
value of that particular animal for each trait measured.
ACCURACY
An accuracy is presented with each EBV and gives an indication
of the amount of information that has been used in the calculation
of that EBV. The higher the accuracy the less the animal’s EBV are
likely to change as more information is analysed for that animal or
its relatives. Accuracy below 75% should be considered to be low.
EBVs are provided for the following traits
Calving Ease EBVs (%) are based on calving difficulty scores, birth
weights and gestation length information. More positive EBVs are
favourable and indicate easier calving.
CE % Direct = Direct Calving Ease - The EBV for direct calving
ease indicates the influence of the sire on calving ease in purebred
females calving at two years of age.
CE % Daughters = Daughters’ Calving Ease - The EBV for
daughters’ calving ease indicates how easily that sire’s daughters
will calve at two years of age.
Gestation Length EBV (days) is an estimate of the time from
conception to the birth of the calf and is based on AI and hand mating
records. Lower (negative) GL EBVs indicate shorter gestation
length and therefore easier calving and increased growth after birth.
Birth Weight EBV (kg) is based on the measured birth weight of
progeny, adjusted for dam age. The lower the value the lighter the
calf at birth and the lower the likelihood of a difficult birth. This is
particularly important when selecting sires for use over heifers.
200-Day Growth EBV (kg) is calculated from the weight of progeny
taken between 80 and 300 days of age. Values are adjusted to 200
days and for age of dam. This EBV is the best single estimate of an
animal’s genetic merit for growth to early ages.
400-Day Weight EBV (kg) is calculated from the weight of progeny
taken between 301 and 500 days of age, adjusted to 400 days and
for age of dam. This EBV is the best single estimate of an animal’s
genetic merit for yearling weight.
600-Day Weight EBV (kg) is calculated from the weight of progeny
taken between 501 and 900 days of age, adjusted to 600 days and
for age of dam. This EBV is the best single estimate of an animal’s
genetic merit for growth beyond yearling age.
Mature Cow Weight EBV (kg) is based on the cow weight when the
calf is weighed for weaning, adjusted to 5 years of age. This EBV
is an estimate of the genetic difference in cow weight at 5 years of
age and is an indicator of growth at later ages and potential feed
maintenance requirements of the females in the breeding herd.
Steer breeders wishing to grow animals out to a larger weight may
also use the Mature Cow Weight EBV.
Milk EBV (kg) is an estimate of an animal’s milking ability. For
sires, this EBV indicates the effect of the daughter’s milking ability,
inherited from the sire, on the 200-day weights of her calves. For
dams, it indicates her milking ability.
Scrotal Size EBV (cm) is calculated from the circumference of the
scrotum taken between 300 and 700 days of age and adjusted to
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