The Strategy aim is to increase the uptake of breeding technologies within the Scottish Sheep Industry, leading to a reduction in production costs, improvement in the quality and consistency of Scotch lamb and an increased demand for recorded breeding stock..

Katie Keiley Sheep Development Manager (South)  Mobile No. -  07902 855 440   E-mail - katiekeiley@sheepstrategy.com

Strategy Hotline Number - 0131 472 4039
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EBVs

 

Estimates Breeding Values - EBVs

 




An accurate assessment of the potential of an animal's genetic make up requires three kinds of information-

  • Performance Data - about the animal itself and about its relatives
  • Data on environmental factors affecting performance
  • Data on heritability - on the degree to which different traits are passed onto the next generation

    Key traits are measured and Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) worked out to help identify the best breeding sheep. EBVs give an indication of genetic strengths & weaknesses for traits such as:

    maternal ability

    growth rate

    muscle depth

    fat depth

    mature size

    EBVsare used to produce an index - an overall measure of breeding potential. The way the index is made up depends on the type of sheep - the index for terminal sires is different from that of maternal breeds.

    Using EBVs

    Every breeder has slightly different breeding objectives depending on the type of sheep he keeps, his location and his personal preferences. The Index highlights the better sheep, but the breeder can select for specific characteristics by careful use of EBVs.

    • Breeders should only select animals that are physically correct and typical of the breed.
    • Preferably all females retained should have an index above the flock average.
    • Where females are being retained for breeding, select rams with good maternal EBVs as well as a good Index.
    • Match male with female qualities to improve overall flock uniformity. For example, if a ewe lacks growth select a ram with a high EBV for mature size, or if she lacks muscle select a ram with a high EBV for muscling.