Page 8 - Kaingaroa Simmentals Catalogue ebook

Gestation Length EBV (days) is an estimate of the time from conception to the birth of
the calf and is based on Artificial Insemination and hand mating records. Lower (negative)
Gestation Length 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 400 days of age. This EBV is an estimate of an
animal’s genetic merit for scrotal size. There is also a small negative correlation with age
of puberty in female progeny and therefore selection for increased scrotal size will result
in reduced age at calving of female progeny.
Days to Calving EBV (days) indicates the fertility of the daughters of the sire. It is the
time interval between the day when the female is first exposed to a bull in a paddock
mating to the day when she subsequently calves. A negative EBV for days to calving
indicates a shorter interval from bull-in date to calving and therefore higher fertility.
Carcase Weight EBV (kg) is based on abattoir carcase records and is an indicator of the
genetic differences in carcase weight at the standard age of 650 days.
Eye Muscle Area EBV (sq cm) is calculated from measurements from live animal
ultrasound scans and from abattoir carcase data, adjusted to a standard 300 kg carcase.
This EBV estimates genetic differences in eye muscle area at the 12/13th rib site of a 300
kg dressed carcase. More positive EBVs indicate better muscling on animals. Sires with

6 • Kaingaroa Simmentals