ANGUS GROUP BREEDPLANAngus GROUP BREEDPLAN is an advanced genetic evaluation system that provides a genetic description of Angus cattle for a large range of traits influencing fertility, growth and carcase performance. It provides predictions of the genetic merit of individual animals called Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs).EBVs are expressed in the units of measurement for each particular trait, and are shown as +ive or –ive values. The average EBV for different traits changes over time as the breed makes genetic progress. The averages for are displayed at the bottom of each page in the catalogue and are the easiest way to compare the merits of particular animals.
Accuracy (%): Provides an indication of the reliability of an EBV. As more performance information becomes available on an animal (or it's progeny, or relatives) then the accuracy of it's EBVs for particular traits will increase.
Calving Ease DIR (%): Estimates of the genetic differences between animals in the ability of their calves from 2 year old heifers to be delivered without assistance. Calving Ease DTRS (%): Estimates of the genetic differences between animals in the ability of their 2 year old daughters to calve without assistance. Gestation Length (Days): Estimates of the genetic differences between animals in the number of days from the date of conception to the calf birth date. Birth Wt (kg): Estimates of the genetic differences between animals in calf birth weight. 200/400/600-Day Wt (kg): Estimates of the genetic differences between animals in liveweight at 200/400/600 days of age. Mature Cow Weight (kg): Estimates of the genetic differences between animals in cow weight at 5 years of age. Milk (kg): Estimates of the genetic differences between animals in milk production, expressed as variation in 200-day weight of daughter's calves. Scrotal Size (cm): Estimates of the genetic differences between animals in scrotal circumference at 400 days of age. Days to Calving: Estimates of the genetic differences in female fertility, expressed as the number of days from the start of the joining period until subsequent calving. Carcase Weight (kg): Estimates of the genetic differences between animals in carcase weight, adjusted to 650 days of age. Eye Muscle Area (cm2): Estimates of the genetic differences between animals in eye muscle area at the 12/13th rib site, in a 30 Different emphasis is placed on particular traits depending upon their relevance to the market. These indices are expressed in $ terms to show us the value of the animal. For example, a bull with a Long fed $Index value of $130 compared with another with $100, is expected to produce an extra $15 per cow joined (1/2 x (130 - 100). Don't forget that ˝ is used because the dam provides the other half. Example - if you are target the long fed market, select a sire with a higher $value for that Index. RED COLOUR GENE (rc)
The red colour gene is a simple recessive gene. Red Angus animals have two copies of the red colour gene (remember that all genes come in pairs). Animals with only a single copy of the red colour gene will be black in colour, but can have red progeny if joined to other animals carrying the red gene. If a Red Angus male and Red Angus female are mated, then 100% of the resultant progeny are expected to be red in colour. If a Black hided red gene carrier is mated to a Red Angus then 50% of the progeny are expected to be Red in colour and the remaining 50% are expected to be Black animals carrying a single copy of the Red gene (I,e. red gene carrier animals). If two Red gene carrier animals are mated, then 25% of the progeny are expected to be Red in colour, 25% will be Black non-red carrier animals and 50% will be Black carrier animals. Te Mania Angus DNA test animals that we know could carry the Red Gene. DNA results are available prior to sale day and can be supplied upon request. TRIAL STRUCTURAL EBVs (Feb 2010)
There are five traits analysed, for animals which were scored prior to 750 days of age.
FA: Front Feet Angle (ST indicates steep angle, SH indicates shallow angle)
FC: Front Feet Claw Set (OD indicates open divergent claws, SC indicates scissor claws)
RA: Rear Feet Angle (ST indicates steep angle, SH indicates shallow angle)
RH: Rear Leg Hind View (BL indicates bow legged, CH indicates cow hocked)
RS: Rear Leg Side View (SR indicates straight rear legs, SI indicates sickle hocked)
More positive EBVs indicate a higher genetic potential for the desirable form of the structural trait compared to the average for the analysis.
The EBV flags only appear against animals that have more extreme, negative breeding values. The flags indicate the type of undesirable structural variation the animal tends to have. For example, a bull with a flag of ‘ST' next to its FA EBV may produce about 35% or more progeny with steep feet angle; while a bull with a flag of ‘SH' may produce 35% or more progeny with shallow feet angle. Therefore, using EBVs and flags in combination will assist breeders in making the right decision to improve the structural soundness of their herd.
Sires with at least 40% accuracy for a Structural EBV are reported. For more information on Breedplan, visit Angus Society website
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