Using Estimated Breeding Values In Sheep

Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) are a valuable tool to help us select the best rams based their on genetic merit, independent of environment (eg birth type, feeding level), for profit driving traits. What’s more consider all the traits such as milking ability or prolificacy that cannot be identified by eye but will impact flock performance for years to come – a maternal ram purchased this year could easily have daughters lambing down in the flock 2030. This Technical Note provides an overview of the EBVs and Indexes available, many new, and how to interpret and use them to select the best rams for your flock.