you could consequentially be considering using genetics that will not be best placed to give you genetic gains in the traits important to your operation. Consequentially, there could be other options that suit your breeding objective better (Fig 4.). This is because traits have a variation of heritabilities and correlations including some which mean if you select on individual traits you may in fact be causing unintended negative responses in traits which lead to an undesirable response, hence why the utilisation of a selection index helps to reduce the risk this complex conundrum poses for cattle breeders. Essentially selection Indexes allow genetic gains to be made across multiple traits at once , however it is important to ensure the animal you are considering using has individual EBVs that suit your requirements and meet your breeding objective.
Getting help
Assistance in the use of selection indexes is available from Angus Australia’s nationwide team of Breed Development Officers. Contact details are available from the Angus Australia website.
Key points: · Selection indexes have been used across animal and plant breeding for decades · Define a breeding objective and identify a selection index that best suits your situation. · Use the selection index to rank the potential sires or sale animals you are looking at · Consider EBVs for key traits, along with other information important to you to filter potential options being looked at. · Always incorporate a robust physical examination and consider measurements and traits not included in the calculation of the selection such as structural soundness, fertility (bull semen testing), docility (both of the individual itself and his EBV), and any other items important to your operation. · Review the decisions you have made on genetic improvement of your herd to ensure you are proactive in planning your next breeding season.
Animal 1 Animal 2 Figure 3. Two different animals with the same Economic Index value ( Angus Breeding Index) and different individual EBV values
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The Angus Bulletin - Summer 2022
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