Performance Measurement

EBV Information

An Estimated Breeding Value (EBV) is an estimate of the genetic merit of that animal for each trait measured. EBVs are provided for the following traits:

Gestation Length EBV:

this EBV ranks sires for the time between conception and the birth of a calf. Shorter gestation is indicated by negative EBVs and longer by positive EBVs.

Birth Weight EBV:

this EBV indicates the genetic potential for birth weight. Positive EBVs indicate higher birth weights and negative EBVs indicate lower birth weights of progeny.

Milk EBV:

an important component of fast growth to weaning is the dam's maternal performance. A bull with a high milk EBV should produce daughters which milk well.

200, 400 & 600-Day Weight EBVs:

these EBVs give us an estimation of the animal's genetic potential for growth.

Scrotal Size EBV:

the scrotal size EBV indicates whether the bull will produce sons with above average or below average scrotal sizes.

Carcase Weight:

The carcase weight EBV indicates genetics for heavier or lighter carcase weight of progeny.

EMA and Rib Fat:

Eye muscle area EBVs and Rib Fat EBVs are calculated from ultrasound scan measurements and indicate larger or smaller EMA and more or less rib fat in progeny.

RBY%:

Retail Beef Yield as a percentage is calculated from the EMA and rib fat EBVs. Higher EBVs for EMA and lower EBVs for fat depth will give higher EBVs for RBY%.

Docility EBV:

the docility EBV is expressed as the increase or decrease in the percentage of progeny that will be scored as docile (score 1 or 2). Positive EBVs indicate a higher proportion of progeny that will be scored as docile and negative EBVs indicate a lower percentage of progeny being scored as
docile.

Comparing EBVs:

The EBVs for Limousins cannot be compared with EBVs for animal of other breeds. They should be compared with the current average EBV for the Limousin breed shown below.

Gestation Length	Birth Weight	Milk	200 Day Weight	400 Day Weight	600 Day Weight	Scrotal Size	Carcase Wt	EMA	Rib Fat	RBY%	Docility
-0.7	+1.8	+3	+13	+21	+28	+0.4	+15	+0.5	-0.3	+0.4	+10

Accuracies:

Accuracies are presented with each EBV and give an indication of the amount of information that has been used in the calculation of that EBV. The higher the accuracy the lower the likelihood of change in the animal's EBV as more information is analyzed for that animal and its relatives.

Proto (Protoporphyria) Status:

PN tested free PF free by pedigree. PC. Carries one copy of the defective gene for protoporphyria.