EBV’s predict the expected performance of the progeny of an animal.
Prior to Breedplan analysis, performance data was collected on progeny of key sires and dams to give some indication of the breeding potential of important sires and dams, however, by the time this was completed, the data had become historical i.e.; it described the performance of each only after the progeny had been measured.
Breedplan allowed breeders to do something revolutionary; to evaluate the expected performance of the progeny based on pedigree data, performance of linked pedigrees and phenotypes captured across many herds and environments, but critically before the progeny were born. As progeny performance data (phenotypes) are added, the accuracy of EBV’s improves.
This allowed breeders to fast track genetic gain by dramatically reducing genetic intervals. It also allowed breeders to more accurately target specific traits for accelerated improvement whilst maintaining a balanced breeding platform for other traits of economic importance.
It also improved the ability to manage hard to measure traits and traits that are not easily observed visually.
Despite all this, the question still remains, does Breedplanwork? Like any other system in the world, Breedplan must be able to provide proof of profit.
Using BIN (beef Information Nucleus) herd data, it is possible to measure the actual performance of progeny against the EBV’s for key traits.
Evidence from these trials indicates that Breedplan EBV’s are very actual at predicting performance across these groups.
To see the proof of profit, please click on the following link: Do Estimated Breeding Values Work?