Actuals:
We include the actual weights and carcase data in our catalogue information. We believe this is a more informative method of extrapolation and with regard to the Carcase data, shows you the figures in a more understandable form.
What is a Group Breedplan?
A group breedplan analysis is simply a large Breedplan analysis which includes a number of herds. To be included in a group breedplan analysis, each herd must have adequate genetic linkage with the other herds, I.e. they must have used some of the same sires as other herds in the group analysis. These common sires are used as benchmark sires to allow direct comparison of animals in the herds involved.
Group Breedplan EBV’s – How to use them
EBV’s are simply predictions of genetic merit for a range of traits on a national cross-herd basis. They are calculated using information on the animals own performance plus the performance of all known relatives (sire, dam, half sisters and brothers etc), the relationship between the traits and the pedigree links between animals and herds. All EBV’s quoted in this catalogue are NZ Group Breedplan EBV’s and are directly comparable with the EBV’s from other NZ Angus Group Breedplan herds.
How animals are ranked on EBVs
All EBV’s are shown as + or – kilogram liveweight. Animals are ranked in comparison to a breed base of zero derived from historic performance records for the breed.
How to use EBV’s
The first step is to decide which characteristics are important in your breeding program then to use the EBVs as a tool to select bulls which suit the genetic characteristics which suit your herd.
Birth Weight
The best indicator of calving ease potential. A low or negative EBV is favorable for calving ease. Measured in Kgs
200 Day Milk
The foundation upon which good growth is built. It is an indicator of genetic merit for that part of weaning weight (kg) which is attributable to maternal and milk factors. Some environments may not support high milking cows so Milk EBV’s should be assessed with regard to the level of nutrition and management available to the progeny.
200 Day Weight (200 Growth)
Direct potential of a calf through to weaning independent of milk factors. Measured in kgs.
400 Day Weight (400Wt)
Direct growth potential of the calf from weaning to yearling. Measured in kgs.
600 Day Weight (600Wt)
Best indicator of growth through to maturity. Important for heavy meat production systems.
Fat Depth (Rib & Rump)
Measured in millimeters. Positive EBV’s here indicate animals which will breed fatter, or earlier finishing progeny. The opposite happens with a negative EBV and in Angus, diminishing fat depth should increase carcase yield.
Eye Muscle Area (EMA)
Measured in square cms. This is an indicator of the muscularity of an animal. The more positive the EBV the more muscular the animal. This in turn accounts for a small (but significant) increase in yield of saleable meat from the carcase relative to other carcases of the same weight. Influenced by growth. The faster growing of two animals with similar EMAs will have a slightly higher EBV.
Retail Beef Yield % (RBY%) EBV’s
Reflects economic differences in carcase value and refers to the bone out yield of a carcase with 2-3mm fat trim adjusted to 85% chemical clean. Determined largely from differences in ultrasound fat and EMA measurements between animals . small relationship with growth and carcase weight EBV’s.
