Page 6 - Rauriki Charolais 2021 Catalogue ebook

EBVs EXPLAINED

Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) - An EBV is the best estimate of an animal’s genetic merit for that trait.
Accuracy
An accuracy is presented with every EBV and is an indication of the amount of information that has been used in the
calculation of that EBV. The higher the accuracy the lower the likelihood of change in the animal’s EBV as more infor-
mation is analysed for that animal or it’s relatives. Accuracy below 75% should be considered low, however young bulls
with performance data but no progeny will all have similarly low accuracies.

Birth
BWT: Birth Weight EBV (kg) is based on the measured birth weight of animals, 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.

Growth
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.
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 weaning.
400: 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, ad-
justed 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.
Fertility
SS: Scrotal Size EBV (cm) is an indicator of male fertility as expressed in semen quality and quantity. Higher (positive)
EBVs indicate higher fertility. SS is also positively associated with female fertility.

Carcase
RIB FAT: Rib Fat EBV (mm) estimates the genetic differences in fat depth at the 12/13th rib in a 300 kg dressed carcase.
More positive EBVs indicate more subcutaneous fat and earlier maturity.
P8 FAT: Rump Fat EBV (mm) estimates the genetic differences in fat depth at the P8 site of a 300kg dressed carcase.
More positive EBVs indicate more subcutaneous fat and earlier maturity.
EMA: Eye Muscle Area EBV (cm2) estimates genetic differences in eye muscle area at the 12/13th rib site of a 300kg
dressed carcase. More positive EBVs indicate better muscling on animals.
RBY %: Retail Beef Yield Percent EBV (%) is a genetic estimate of the meat yield as a percentage of a 300kg dressed
carcase. A more positive EBV indicates a higher percentage yield for a 300kg carcase.
CWT: Carcase Weight EBV (kg) estimates the genetic difference in carcase weight at a standard age of 650 days. More
positive EBVs indicate heavier carcases at 650 days of age.

2021 Group DIR DTRS BW 200 400 600
Breedplan
EBV Averages for +1.4 +0.7 +0.2 +12 +24 +32
2019 born calves EBV
Milk SS Carc Wt. EMA RIB RUMP RBY

+7 +1.1 +20 +1.6 +0.4 +0.5 +0.0
EBV