Page 18 - Storth Oaks Angus Catalogue ebook

TransTasman Cattle Evaluation is a modern genetic evaluation
programme for beef cattle breeders. It compares cattle on the

basis of their breeding values.

TransTasman Cattle Evaluation (TACE) achieved in herds which make use of you need to evaluate the genetic
is formerly known as BreedPlan. EBVs in their selection decisions. In merit of cattle – that is the propor-
the calculation of EBVs all available tion of the animals performance
TACE provides predictions of the
genetic merit of individual animals pedigree and performance informa- which is controlled by its genes, and
called Estimated Breeding Values tion on each animal and its relatives not its overall performance which
(EBVs). These EBVs are used by Angus (parents, ancestors, siblings, progeny, has been influenced by environmen-
breeders and bull buyers to assist etc.) is combined to provide a single tal and other non-genetic effects.
in selection decisions and purchase best estimate of an individual’s ge- Early approaches to performance
of breeding stock. EBVs are now netic merit for each trait. In addition, recording used the ratio system. The
accepted by most beef producers as allowance is made for environmental animals performance was corrected
an essential tool in the breeding and differences between properties, for sex, age of calf and age of dam,
marketing of seedstock. seasons and management groups on and then compared as a percentage
each animal’s performance. Differ- to other animals within the same
EBVs are based on all available ences in heritabilities between traits management group. Comparison of
pedigree and performance records and genetic associations between animals across management groups,
provided by breeders in New traits are also accounted for in the herds or years was not possible using
Zealand and Australia, along with calculation of EBVs. this system.
available overseas genetic informa- The service is run by the Agricultural
tion. EBVs provide the best means for Business Research Institute (ABRI) at TACE represents a major improve-
comparison of the relative genetic the University of New England, Armi- ment over the more traditional
merit of animals across the breed for dale, NSW., Australia. TACE research methods of performance recording.
those traits included in the analysis. and development is carried out by It uses all the records available on
EBVs obviously cannot be used in the Animal Genetics and Breeding the animal and its relatives to disen-
isolation in any selection or purchase Unit (AGBU), also at the University of tangle genetic and environmental
decision. Visual assessment is still New England. factors, giving the best estimate of
necessary for those characteristics the animals breeding value that is
not adequately described by EBVs. An overview of TACE. possible from the available informa-
tion.
GROUP TACE EBVs have been What you see in an animal is the ef-
proven to be more accurate than fect of genes they inherit from their To allow comparison of animals from
raw performance measurements for parents modified by the effect of between management groups or
assisting in the selection of breeding non-genetic (environmental) factors even different properties genetic
stock. Research results and industry such as feeding and parasite control, links between contemporary groups
experience has shown that that sex, age of dam etc. are essential. A genetic link is
more rapid genetic gains can be achieved where animals in one
To improve your herd by selection,