NSW Department of Primary Industries

Introduction to Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs)

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KIDPLAN EBV Definitions (defined by Sheep Genetics)

Live Weight Traits

Birth Weight (kg) BWT: Estimates the genetic difference between animals in weight at birth.

Weaning Weight (kg) WWT: Estimates the genetic difference between animals in liveweight at 100 days of age.

Maternal Weaning Weight (kg) MWWT: Estimate of the doe's potential for milk production and ability to provide a better maternal environment. They are expressed as kilograms of weight at weaning.

Post Weaning Weight (kg) PWT: Estimates the genetic difference between animals in liveweight at 225 days of age.

Yearling Weight (kg) YWT: Estimates the genetic difference between animals in liveweight at 360 days of age.

Hogget Weight  (kg) HWT: Estimates the genetic difference between animals in liveweight at 450 days of age.

Adult Weight (kg) AWT: Estimates the genetic difference between animals in liveweight at 540 days of age.

Carcase Traits

Fat Depth (mm) FAT: Estimates the genetic difference between animals in fat depth at the GR site.

  • Post Weaning: PFAT estimates the genetic difference in GR fat depth at 45kg liveweight.
  • Yearling: YFAT estimates the genetic difference in GR fat depth at 60kg liveweight.
  • Hogget: HFAT estimates the genetic difference in GR fat depth at 70kg liveweight.

Eye Muscle Depth (mm) EMD: Estimates the genetic difference between animals at EMD at the C site.

  • Post Weaning: PEMD estimates the genetic difference in EMD at the C site at 45kg liveweight.
  • Yearling: YEMD estimates the genetic difference in EMD at the C site at 60kg liveweight.
  • Hogget: HEMD estimates the genetic difference in EMD at the C site at 70kg liveweight.

Carcase Weight (kg) CWT: Estimates the genetic difference between animals in carcase weight at 300 days of age.

Fertility Traits

Number of Kids Born (%) NKB: Estimates the genetic difference between animals for number of kids born each lambing opportunity.

Number of Kids Weaned (%) NKW: Estimates the genetic difference between animals for number of kids weaned each lambing opportunity.

Scrotal Circumference (cm) SC: Estimates the genetic difference between animals for scrotal circumference.

  • Yearling: YSC estimates the genetic difference between animals for scrotal circumference at 360 days of age.
  • Hogget:  HSC estimates the genetic difference between animals for scrotal circumference at 450 days of age.

Worm Resistance

Worm Egg Count WEC:  Describes the value of an animals genes for carrying worm burdens - a combination of being genetically less likely to pick up worms and being able to cope immunologically with the worm burden.

  • Weaning:  WWEC estimates the genetic difference in worm burden at 100 days of age.
  • Post Weaning:  PWEC estimates the genetic difference in worm burden at 225 days of age.
  • Yearling:  YWEC estimates the genetic difference in worm burden at 360 days of age.
For more information, contact KIDPLAN.

Ph: (02) 8055 1818

info@sheepgenetics.org.au

www.sheepgenetics.org.au

www.dpi.nsw.gov.au