Page 49 - Te Taumata Catalogue eBook

Understanding GROUP BREEDPLAN EBVs

WHAT ARE EBVS USED FOR?
Use Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) as a tool to help you select a bull for its breeding strengths relative to your needs. However,
don’t select on figures alone – there are many important traits that have no EBVs!
GROUP EBVs can be used to compare animals on performance from one Hereford herd to another in New Zealand and Australia.
EBVs are calculated within breed Trans-Tasman. You cannot compare animals on EBVs from one breed to another.
ESTIMATED BREEDING VALUES (EBVS) – An animal's breeding value is its genetic merit, half of which will be passed on to its
progeny. While we will never know the exact breeding value, for performance traits it is possible to make good estimates. These
are called Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs). They are expressed as the difference between an individual animal's genetics and
the genetic base to which the animal is compared.

GROWTH AND MILK EBVS
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.
MILK – Milk EBV (kg) is an estimate of an animal’s milking ability. For sires, this EBV indicates the effect of the daughter’s milking
ability, inherited from the sire, on the 200-day weights of her calves. For dams, it indicates her own milk ability.
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 – 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.
Page 47