EBVs describe expected differences in the performance of progeny and are a prediction of an animal’s genetic merit.
Calculated for a range of traits with the TACE analysis, EBVs are the most powerful breeding tool available to cattle breeders.
The Angus Sire Benchmarking Program (ASBP) has demonstrated that there is great potential to achieve genetic improvement in Angus breeding programs by utilising selections tools, such as Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) and Selection Indexes.
There are two types of breeding values, those that describe the improvement in the trait and those that describe improvement in the number of acceptable progeny. An analysis which examined the ability of EBVs for the sires in cohorts 1 to 3 of the ASBP to predict the actual performance of their progeny, showed that EBVs are a reliable predictor of differences in progeny performance.
When selecting animals for use within a breeding program, the use of EBVs and selection index values, coupled with the significant genetic variation that is present within the Angus breed, provides a considerable opportunity to improve the productivity and profitability of a beef breeding enterprise.
For further information about this analysis and it’s findings READ MORE HERE.
