Enhancements to TACE
Members are advised that a number of significant enhancements will shortly be made to the calculation of Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) for Angus cattle in Australia and New Zealand.
The enhancements form part of the annual updates that Angus Australia makes to the TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation, with the enhancements scheduled for implementation in the December 2022 analysis. The EBVs from this analysis are expected to be available on approximately November 30th, 2022.
The annual enhancements that are made to the TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation ensure that the EBVs published for Angus animals continue to be the best possible estimate of an animal’s breeding value, maximising the genetic improvement that is being achieved in Angus breeding programs.
The enhancements scheduled for implementation in 2022 are focussed on providing Angus breeders with the tools to make more accurate selection decisions from the availability of improved breeding values, particularly for the EBVs related to carcase weight, quality and yield, while also introducing efficiencies that will ensure the long term viability of the genetic evaluation.
The enhancements scheduled for implementation in 2022 broadly fall into five categories, including:
- New variance components (adjustment factors, heritabilities, genetic correlations)
- New algorithm for calculating EBV Accuracies (TBLUP)
- New software for Docility EBVs
- Publication of Leg Angle EBVs
- Publication of ImmuneDEX RBVs for genotyped animals
Further information about the enhancements that will be implemented is available below.
