Page 10 - Koanui Herefords Catalogue ebook

EBVs Explained

Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) are estimates of the animal’s genetic
merit, half of which will be passed onto its progeny. They are expressed
in units of measurement for each trait. For more information and EBV Tip
sheets refer to http://breedplan.une.edu.au
Calving Ease EBVs

CE DIR – Calving Ease Direct % indicates how easily this bull’s progeny are likely to be
born. A higher figure means a higher likelihood of easy calving.
CE DTRS – % indicates how easily this bull’s daughters are likely to calve. A higher figure
means a higher likelihood of easy calving in the daughters.
GEST – Gestation Length in days indicates the predicted gestation length relative to
average, the lower the value the shorter gestation length of the bull’s calves.
BWT – Birth Weight (kg) predicted from analysis of actual birth weight data, the lower the
value the smaller the sire’s contribution to the weight of the calf at birth.
Growth and Milk EBVs
200 – 200 Day growth EBV (kg) is calculated from the weight of animals taken between
80 and 300 days of age. Values are adjusted to 200 days and for dam age. 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 dam age. This EBV is the best single
estimate of an animal’s genetic merit for yearling weight.
600 – 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 dam age. This EBV is the best
single estimate of an animal’s genetic merit for growth beyond yearling age.
MAT – 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.
MILK – 200-Day Milk EBV (kg) is an estimate of an animal’s milking ability. For sires,
this EBV is indicative of their daughter’s milking ability as it affects the 200 day weight
of their calves.
Fertility EBVs

SS - Scrotal Size (cm) is an indicator of male fertility in regards to semen quality and
quantity. Higher (positive) EBVs indicate higher fertility. SS is also positively associated
with female fertility.
DTC – Days to Calving (days) is an indicator of female fertility. Lower, or more negative,
Days to Calving EBVs are generally more favourable reflecting females that get in calf
quicker after mating, have early puberty and early return to oestrous after calving.

NZ HEREFORD Breed Average EBVs for 2019 Born Calves
CALVING EASE EBVs GROWTH & MILK EBVs FERTILITY
CE DIR CE DTRS GEST BWT 200 400 600 MAT MILK SS DTC
8 +2.1 +1.8 -0.6 +4.1 +33 +55 +78 +67 +17 +2.0 -2.9