Page 7 - Fossil Creek 2021 ebook

animals for retail yield percentage in a standard 400 kg carcase. Sires with larger EBVs are expected to produce progeny with higher yielding
carcases.
Intramuscular Fat EBV (%) is an estimate of the genetic difference in the percentage of intramuscular fat at the 12/13th rib site in a 400 kg
carcase. Depending on market targets, larger more positive values are generally more favourable.
Docility EBV (%) is an estimate of the genetic differences between animals in temperament. Docility EBVs are expressed as differences in the
percentage of progeny that will be scored with acceptable temperament (ie. either “docile” or “restless”).
ACCURACY
Accuracy (%) is based on the amount of performance information available on the animal and its close relatives - particularly the number
of progeny analysed. Accuracy is also based on the heritability of the trait and the genetic correlations with other recorded traits. Hence
accuracy indicates the “confidence level” of the EBV. The higher the accuracy value the lower the likelihood of change in the animal’s EBV as
more information is analysed for that animal or its relatives. Even though an EBV with a low accuracy may change in the future, it is still the
best estimate of an animal’s genetic merit for that trait. As more information becomes available, an EBV is just as likely to increase in value,
as it is to decrease.
Accuracy values range from 0-99%. The following guide is given for interpreting accuracy:

Accuracy range Interpretation
less than 50% EBV should be considered as a preliminary estimate. It could change substantially as more performance informa-
tion becomes available.

50-74% Medium accuracy, usually based on the animal’s own records and pedigree. Still subject to substantial changes
with more information, particularly when the performance of progeny are analysed.
75-90% Medium - high accuracy and includes some progeny information. Becoming a more reliable indicator of the ani-
mal’s value as a parent.
more than 90% High accuracy estimate of the animal’s true breeding value. It is unlikely that the EBV will change much with the
addition of more progeny data.

As a rule, animals should be compared on EBVs regardless of accuracy. However, where two animals have similar EBVs the one with higher
accuracy could be the safer choice, assuming other factors are equal.

For further information please contact NZ Angus or TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation (TACE).

7 Fossil Creek Bull Sale 2021