Understanding the scale and the trait is paramount
Another common mistake when interpreting EBVs is not understanding what the trait is describing in the performance of the progeny.
Once we understand the trait and what it describes,
EBVs describe the average of a parent’s progeny
Any discussion which tries to relate a bull’s EBVs to his own physical appearance or performance is fundamentally flawed. In essence, you are using the temperature gauge to tell how fast the car is going.
Breeding values add value
Gaining a true assessment of a bull’s potential value and the direction he could take the herd can be hard when relying only on physical traits and performance, because of the large impact environmental conditions have.
The average gets left behind
Understanding a bulls influence in your herd
Often the value placed on a bull within a breeding program has a very short-term focus, with high expectations on him and the immediate influence he will have. These expectations often lead to good bulls receiving a less then representative assessment of the value they have delivered to the herd.
EBVs Belong to the Progeny
There is probably not a more succinct line than ‘EBVs belong to the progeny’ that could better address the most common issues people have when interpreting Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs).
Did you miss Angus CONNECT?
If you missed the Angus CONNECT Research & Development Update don’t worry, you can know watch the event in full on the Angus Australia YouTube channel.
Updated EBVs Available: Mid-November 2020
Angus Australia wishes to advise that the Mid-November 2020 TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation has been completed and updated EBVs are now available. The following reports are available to download from the “Files to Download” section of the Member Login area on the Angus Australia website.
Angus CONNECT online event 7pm AEDT November 19th, 2020
Angus Australia invites all Angus seedstock and commercial breeders to an online event showcasing the latest research and development relating to Angus genetics. The Angus CONNECT Research and Development Update Spring 2020 will be streamed on the Angus Australia YouTube channel from 7pm AEDT November 19th,
Producer Bull Selection Criteria Preferences
Temperament is considered the most important bull selection criteria by cattle producers, a recent survey of Australian beef breeders has revealed.
The survey was conducted during May and June 2019,
