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Why Performance Test? Understanding BreedPlan How to use EBV’s
Understanding Breedplan.
The NBRS (National Breeding Recording Service) BreedPlan is the most
advanced, comprehensive performance recording system in the world. Performance
and pedigree are brought together, under BreedPlan, to provide the most accurate reports on production characteristics available to the industry.
The assessment of an animal’s genetic merit is presented as an
Estimated Breeding Value
measured in kilograms liveweight. This is based on the beasts own comparative performance plus the performance of all known relatives as well as adjusting for many environmental factors which affect growth rate. Previous recording systems used ratios to express the performance of an animal in comparison with its herd mates.
As well as improving accuracy, BreedPlan also allows for non random
matings and previous cullings when assessing final weights; pre weaning performance results are split into growth genes; valid comparisons are possible between animals in the herd irrespective of age; an estimate
can then be made of genetic trends within the herd.
Pre weaning weight is derived from two sources;
- the calf’s inherent growth potential and
- the mother’s milk production
The breeding value for milk genes in a bull is the potential for him
to transmit mothering ability to his female progeny. If the bull is to be used as a terminal sire in vealer production, the weaning growth figures are more important.
Final weight
Breeding Values are computed for growth up to 18 - 20 months. For steer, bullock and bull production this is an important part of the growth curve; it is best prediction of a bulls ability to grow on grass to maturity and to pass on this trait to his progeny.
As a bull buyer
use the Breeding Values closest to your production system and select sires that would best fit into your breeding program.
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