Signet EBV & Remarks Index

EBVs predict the genetic merit That an animal possesses for an individuality trait or char acte Ristic. Which Are Calculated EBVs for traits include 8 weeks or weight lambs, 21 weeks or weight lambs, muscle depth, fat depth, mature size, litter size, and maternal ability.
EBVs are Produced using information recorded about Their sheep by members of the group breeding schemes. They Are Calculated by using a computer program disentangles the complex relationship between That the environment (feeding, management etc.) and the genetics of an animal individuality. In this way, EBVs are Able to Provide additional information about recitals confort an animal Compared to select 'by eye "alone. Nearly all Dairy Farmers select animals using genetic information Their Produced in a Similar Way. The Production of EBVs by members Flockbook.org Allows a sheep farmers Similar advantage. To help identify superior animals, EBVs for traits or a range combined Also Are Writing a single breeding index. PLEASE NOTE THAT breeding EBVs and indexes Can not be Compared across Different breeds.

8-week weight EBV
This is a Measure of the animal's genetic potential for growth to weaning at birth from
8 weeks.
A ram with an EBV for 3 or 8-week weight lambs Which is Expected to producing, on average, are 1.5 kg heavier at weaning lambs sired by Compared to a ram with an EBV of 0.

21-week (Scan weight) EPC
This is a Measure of the animal's genetic potential for birth to growth from 21 weeks of age (age at scanning). Selection for high scan weights in animals results That Will Have heavier carcases at a constant fat class or leaner carcases at a constant age.
A ram with an EBV of 4 for scanning weight is Expected to produce, on average, lambs
2 kg heavier at 21 weeks than-lambs sired by a RAM with an EPC for this trait or 0.

Muscle Depth EBV
This is a loin muscle depth assessment of lean meat yield and therefore likely.
A ram with an EBV for muscle depth or one is Expected to produce, on average, lambs with 0.5 mm Greater eye muscle depth at 21 weeks Compared to lambs sired by a ram with an EBV of 0.

Fat Depth EBV
Negative values Indicating animals with lower fat levels, Which Will produce leaner carcases Which Can Be or tasks to heavier weights without Becoming over-Fat.
A ram with an EBV of -1.0 for fat depth is Expected to produce, on average, lambs at 21 weeks with a subcutaneous fat thickness 0.5 mm Less Than lambs sired by a ram with an EBV of 0.
Maternal Traits
Many traits are Expressed by Both sexes (eg growth rate and muscling), but maternal traits (eg litter size and maternal ability) are overexpressed only by females.
A ram's maternal EBVs, When halved, Provide an Indication as to how female offspring historian Will Perform When They become mothers.

Litter Size EBV
A ram with a litter size EBV of +0.3 is Expected to producing ewe lambs That Will Have, on average, 0.15 more lambs ewes from a ram with Than an EBV of 0.

Mature Weight
Positive figures identify breeding lines That Will Be Bigger at maturity. Certain breeds in hill, eventhough it is advantageous to Enhance lamb growth rates, it May Be Desirable to restrict options increases in the size of the mature ewe.
A ram with a litter size EBV or +0.3 is Expected to produce ewe lambs That Will Have,
On Average, 0.15 more lambs from ewes Than a RAM with an EPC or 0.

Carcass Lean Weight
Estimates the genetic merit this EBV of the animal for muscle yield. It is assessed by measuring the Quantity of muscle tissue (kg) in the carcass using Computed Tomography (CT), image analysis or breeding stock at 21 weeks of age.

Carcass Fat Weight
This EBV Estimates of the animal the genetic merit for lean ness. It is assessed by measuring the Quantity (kg) or fat in the carcass using Computed Tomography (CT) image analysis and breeding stock at 21 weeks of age.

Muscularity / Gigot
This EBV genetic merit for carcass Estimates the shape. The thickness of the muscle tissue in the Gigot was assessed using Computed Tomography (CT) standardized to a fixed femur length and is measured in mm

Faecal Egg Count (FEC)
Estimates the genetic merit this EBV of the animal for worm resistance. Faecal samples are tasks from lambs at 21 weeks of age and Submitted for laboratory analysis to Measuring the worm egg count in the sample

Breeding Indexes
EBVs measured trait are published for everyones That Which Allows breeders are making selection décisions décidé to how much emphasis to place on Wish They Each trait. Can be combined EBVs Also write a multi-trait selection index, or breeding index created to measure specifies Breeding Objectives. It is widely AGREED That this is the must efficient way to Improve SEVERAL traits at once. Economic Weighted relevant to current market conditions Can Be Used To ensure Each trait is Appropriate Given the amount of emphasis in the index.