Page 8 - Kairuru Herefords Catalogue ebook
P. 8

ESTIMATED BREEDING VALUE (EBVS)                         600-Day Weight EBV (kg) is calculated from the weight of progeny taken
      An EBV is the best estimate of an animal’s genetic merit for that trait.  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
      Calving Ease EBVs (%) are based on calving difficulty scores, birth weights and   beyond yearling age.
      gestation length information. More positive EBVs are favourable and indicate
      easier calving.                                         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
      CE % Direct = Direct Calving Ease - The EBV for direct calving ease indicates   the genetic difference in cow weight at 5 years of age and is an indicator
      the influence of the sire on calving ease in purebred females calving at two   of growth at later ages and potential feed maintenance requirements of the
      years of age.                                           females in the breeding herd. Steer breeders wishing to grow animals out to a
      CE % Daughters = Daughters' Calving Ease - The EBV for daughters' calving ease   larger weight may also use the Mature Cow Weight EBV.
      indicates how easily that sire's daughters will calve at two years of age.  Milk EBV (kg) is an estimate of an animal's milking ability. For sires, this EBV
      Gestation Length EBV (days) is an estimate of the time from conception to the   indicates the effect of the daughter's milking ability, inherited from the sire, on
      birth of the calf and is based on AI and hand mating records. Lower (negative)   the 200-day weights of her calves. For dams, it indicates her milking ability.
      GL EBVs indicate shorter gestation length and therefore easier calving and   Scrotal Size EBV (cm) is calculated from the circumference of the scrotum
      increased growth after birth.                           taken between 300 and 700 days of age and adjusted to 400 days of age.
      Birth Weight EBV (kg) is based on the measured birth weight of progeny,   This EBV is an estimate of an animal's genetic merit for scrotal size. There is
      adjusted for dam age. The lower the value the lighter the calf at birth and   also a small negative correlation with age of puberty in female progeny and
      the lower the likelihood of a difficult birth. This is particularly important when   therefore selection for increased scrotal size will result in reduced age at calving
      selecting sires for use over heifers.                   of female progeny.
      200-Day Growth EBV (kg) is calculated from the weight of progeny taken   Days to Calving EBV (days) indicates the fertility of the daughters of the sire. It is
      between 80 and 300 days of age. Values are adjusted to 200 days and for   the time interval between the day when the female is first exposed to a bull in
      age of dam. This EBV is the best single estimate of an animal's genetic merit for   a paddock mating to the day when she subsequently calves. A negative EBV
      growth to early ages.                                   for days to calving indicates a shorter interval from bull-in date to calving and
      400-Day Weight EBV (kg) is calculated from the weight of progeny taken   therefore higher fertility.
      between 301 and 500 days of age, adjusted to 400 days and for age of dam.   Carcase Weight EBV (kg) is based on abattoir carcase records and is an
      This EBV is the best single estimate of an animal's genetic merit for yearling weight.  indicator of the genetic differences in carcase weight at the standard age of
                                                              650 days.
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