Page 9 - Merchiston Angus Catalogue ebook

EBVs EXPLAINED

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 750 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 400 kg carcase. This EBV estimates genetic differences in eye muscle area at the 12/13th rib site
of a 400 kg dressed carcase. More positive EBVs indicate better muscling on animals. Sires with relatively higher EMA EBVs
are expected to produce better-muscled and higher percentage yielding progeny at the same carcase weight than will sires
with lower EMA EBVs.
Rib Fat and Rump Fat EBVs (mm) are calculated from measurements of subcutaneous fat depth at the 12/13-rib site and the
P8 rump site (from live animal ultrasound scans and from abattoir carcases) and are adjusted to a standard 400 kg carcase.
These EBVs are indicators of the genetic differences in fat distribution on a standard 400 kg carcase. Sires with low, or
negative, fat EBVs are expected to produce leaner progeny at any particular carcase weight than will sires with higher EBVs.
Retail Beef Yield EBV (%) indicates genetic differences between animals for retail yield percentage in a standard 400 kg
carcase. Sires with larger EBVs are expected to produce progeny with higher yielding carcases.
Intramuscular Fat EBV (%) is an estimate of the genetic difference in the percentage of intramuscular fat at the 12/13th rib site
in a 400 kg carcase. Depending on market targets, larger more positive values are generally more favourable.
Docility EBV (%) is an estimate of the genetic differences between animals in temperament. Docility EBVs are expressed as
differences in the percentage of progeny that will be scored with acceptable temperament (ie. either “docile” or “restless”).
Accuracy values range from 0-99%. The following guide is given for interpreting accuracy:

Accuracy Range Interpretation

EBV should be considered as a preliminary estimate. It could change substantially as more
Less than 50%
performance information becomes available.
Medium accuracy, usually based on the animal’s own records and pedigree. Still subject to
50-74% substantial changes with more information, particularly when the performance of progeny are
analysed.

Medium - high accuracy and includes some progeny information. Becoming a more reliable
75-90%
indicator of the animal’s value as a parent.
High accuracy estimate of the animal’s true breeding value. It is unlikely that the EBV will change
More than 90%
much with the addition of more progeny data.

As a rule, animals should be compared on EBVs regardless of accuracy. However, where two animals have similar EBVs the one
with higher accuracy could be the safer choice, assuming other factors are equal.
For further information please contact NZ Angus or TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation.

ANGUSPURE PARTNER STUD EXTRA ANGUSPURE
AngusPure NZ has teamed up with 88 Angus studs who share ENDORSEMENT FOR MARBLING
in our vision - to focus on the end consumer. This stud is proud In addition to the ‘A’, and to assist bull buyers who wish to select

to be named as one of them, and by using the finest genetics for more marbling we are rewarding those animals that are in the
and implementing best management practice they can help you top 25% of the breed for AngusPure index and who also have
produce more premium quality Angus beef. their marbling EBV (IMF) in the top 50% as well. These bulls will be
Only our AngusPure Partner studs display these devices in their sale awarded an ‘A+’ endorsement. Marbling is one of the very highest
catalogues. They indicate bulls endorsed by AngusPure NZ. eating quality attributes and is necessary in order to meet some of
the highest premium requirements for our new program, AngusPure
ANGUSPURE ENDORSED BULLS Special Reserve. To qualify for the ‘A+’ endorsement, bulls must meet
a minimum AngusPure index of +$141. They must also meet the
minimum marbling requirement of +1.7 for IMF
AngusPure continues to endorse bulls for sale that are in the top 40% of the
These bulls will be => +$141 for AngusPure index and => + 1.7

breed for AngusPure index. This index gives commercial farmers confidence
that by using this selection tool, bulls are most likely to leave progeny with for IMF EBV.
superior carcase quality and at the same time achieve desirable outcomes for AngusPure recognises the need to lift the amount of marbling in
self replacing herds, as the AngusPure index still rewards cattle with strong our New Zealand cow genetics, in order to fill the requirements of

maternal attributes like calving ease, scrotal and growth, along with carcase consumers going forward. Marbling has two critical components;
weight. To qualify for the ‘A’ endorsement, bulls must meet a minimum genetics and feeding. Feeding on a rising plane of nutrition is vital
AngusPure index of +$120. but without the genetics these attributes will not be able to express
These bulls will be => +$120 for AngusPure index. themselves.
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