Page 6 - Midlands Ram Sale Catalogue ebook

to improve your flock’s performance. gBVs are expressed in the units the trait is measured in
(e.g. kg for weight, number of worm eggs in faeces), and are an estimate of the value of the
ram’s genetic merit for the trait. Generally, a more positive gBV is more favourable but there are
some exceptions (e.g. less worm eggs are more favourable).
Indexes have been created with the commercial farmer in mind. An index is an economic value
applied to a grouping of gBVs. A more positive economic value is always more favourable.

EXPLANATIONS FOR COMMONLY USED NZGE DATA
Abbreviations Definition
NLB gBV Number of lambs born
WWT gBV Weaning weight – “lamb growth”
LW8 gBV Body weight at 8 months of age – rates animals for post-weaning growth
EMA gBV Eye muscle area in 18kg carcass
FATY gBV (Whole carcass) Fat yield – kg per kg of carcass
FW12 gBV Fleece weight at 12 months of age
New Zealand Maternal Worth is expressed in cents and is an estimate of
NZMW index genetic value for number of lambs born (DPR), lamb survival (DPS), lamb
growth (DPG), adult size (DPA) and wool production (DPW).
New Zealand Terminal Worth is expressed in cents and is an estimate of
NZTW index
genetic value for growth (TSG), meat yield (TSM) and survival (TSS).

WHAT ABOUT STRUCTURE AND SOUNDNESS?
It is expected that rams put up for sale have already been robustly checked for soundness
and ability to mate. However, everyone has different ideas around characteristics they
are looking for and what they are prepared to accept. SIL recommends focusing on
things that will either make or cost money, when selecting structure.

SIL CONTACT DETAILS
For more information, contact SIL via email (silhelp@sil.co.nz) or
freephone 0800 745 435.

ANALYSIS:
NZGE ANALYSIS NO. 37879 ON THE 13TH NOVEMBER 2020.
GENETIC GAINS SIL BUREAU.

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