Glossary of terms

GLOSSARY OF TERMS USED

Birth Weight EBVs

These indicate the estimated difference in average birth weight (kg) of progeny. Positive values indicate heavier than the average birth weights. Birth weights reflect pre natal growth potential and may be an indicator of calving ease. On average, progeny will inherit half of the sire's birth weight EBV.

200 Day Weight EBVs

This is the expected difference in the average weaning weight due to the sire. The calves will inherit half of this figure in kg with the other half coming from the EBV of the dam. Positive values indicate heavier than average weaning weight.

400 Day Weight EBVs

This is the expected difference in the average yearling weight and indicates the post weaning influence of the sire. Positive values indicate heavier than average yearling weights.

600 Day Weight EBVs

This is the expected difference at the normal killing age. Positive values indicate heavier than average killing weights.

Trait Leaders

For each tested trait the top 25% of sires have been shown as trait leaders.

Accuracy

All figures carry an accuracy of between 0.75 and 0.85. This degree of accuracy is high enough to give breeders confidence to use this analysis for making reasonable breeding judgments. The figures given are the most accurate means to date of estimating the true breeding value of an animal in regard to certain traits.

Mean

The mean has been set at zero for all of these growth traits.

Objective versus Subjective

EBVs should be used as an objective selection tool. They should not be taken as a "paint by numbers" breeding programme.

There are other traits that many breeders may consider as they plan matings and these may include temperament, structural soundness or even eye appeal.

Glossary of terms