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Australasian Angus GROUP BREEDPLAN Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) are based on the combined analysis of all pedigree and performance records in the Australian and New Zealand Angus Society's databases. EBVs can be used to compare the estimated genetic merit of animals for a range of growth, fertility and carcass traits.

EBVs reflect the difference that can be expected in an animals performance relative to the breed baseline of zero for each trait. On average, half of this difference will be passed on to the animal's progeny.

EBVs presented in this catalogue are calculated from the available performance information on the animal, its parents, progeny and its close relatives across a number of herds. This information is adjusted for age at measurement and dam's age while allowing for differences between herds, years seasons, season of calving, management effects and for mating and selection biases.

Accuracy values indicate the reliability of the EBVs in percentage terms. EBVs with higher accuracy's are less likely to change significantly with the addition of further performance information from relatives and progeny

The following is a brief description of EBV's and $ Index values and Accuracies for further information see the Angus Society of Australia webpage.

  • Accuracy % - provides an indication of the reliability of an EBV.  As more performance information become available on an animal (or it's progeny, or relatives) then the accuracy of it's EBVs for particular traits will increase.
  • Calving Ease DIR (%) - Estimates of the genetic differences between animals in the ability of their calves from 2year old heifers to be delivered without assistance.
  • Calving Ease DTRS (%) - Estimates of the genetic differences between animals in the ability of their 2 year old daughters to calve without assistance.
  • Gestation length (days) - Estimates of the genetic differences between animals in the number of days from the date of conception to the calf birth date.
  • Birth Wt (kg) - Estimates of the genetic differences between animals in calf birth weight.
  • 200-day Wt (kg) - Estimates of the genetic differences between animals in liveweight at 200 days of age.
  • 400-day Wt (kg) - Estimates of the genetic differences between animals in liveweight at 400 days of age.
  • 60-day Wt (kg) - Estimates of the genetic differences between animals in liveweight at 400 days of age.
  • Mature Cow Weight (kg) - Estimates of the genetic differences between animals in cow weight at 5 years of age.
  • Milk (kg) - Estimates of the genetic differences between animals in milk production, expressed as variation in 200day weight of daughter's calves.
  • Scrotal Size (cm) - Estimates of the genetic differences between animal in scrotal circumference at 400 days of age.
  • Days to Calving - Estimates of the genetic differences in female fertility, expressed as the number of days from the start of the joining period until subsequent calving.
  • Carcass Weight (kg) - Estimates of the genetic differences between animals in carcass weight, adjusted to 650 days of age.
  • Eye Muscle Area (cm2) - Estimates of the genetic differences between animals in eye muscle area at the 12/13th rib site, in a 300kg carcass.
  • Rib Fat (mm) - Estimates of the genetic differences between animals in fat depth at the 12/13th rib site, in a 300kg carcass.
  • Rump Fat (mm) - Estimates of the genetic differences between animals in fat depth at the P8 rump site, in a 300 kg carcass
  • Retail Beef Yield % (RBY%) - Estimates of the genetic differences between animals in percentage retail beef yield, in a 300kg carcass.
  • Intra-Muscular Fat % (IMF%) - Estimates of the genetic differences between animals in percentage intra-muscular fat marbling) at the 12/13th rib site, in a 300kg carcass.
  • Trial Net Feed Intake (NFI) - Estimates of the genetic differences in feed intake for animals adjusted to the same growth rate and weight base.

NB. EBVs and $Index Values are calculated using software developed by the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit (AGBU) a joint institute of NSW Agriculture and the University of New England.  Ongoing research and development at AGBU is supported by funding provided by Meat and Livestock Australia.

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Last updated on 11 July 2010 for website problems contact help@drb.com.au  ÓRM Blackley 2010