Measuring docility to improve it
Docility measurements are typically taken at weaning, which has the advantage of all calves having had minimal handling and so can express variation in their temperament. This variation is important because a big part of the temperament we see in animals is the result of their past handling.
Understand what the EBV means in real terms
If I set a threshold of +4.0kg for birth weight and won’t use bulls with EBVs above this, then we will get a set of bulls that reflect this and any other EBV cut offs put in place.
Take care when setting EBV thresholds
The use of set thresholds when making breeding decisions is an important component of utilising EBVs within a breeding program, however if the thresholds are too tight they can impact the potential gains of the program.
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).
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