Many economically important traits cannot be evaluated simply by looking at the animal or production records. Using EBVs is the proven method of accurately predicting if an animal will pass on important traits such as growth rate, reproductive proficiency, carcass quality, and parasite resistance. By using EBVs, breeders can get an idea of how an individual will perform, which is helpful in designing a breeding program where the environmental factor is eliminated. Producers can compare individuals based on genetic merit from flocks across the country. EBV & EPD For those familiar with EPDs used in cattle, EBVs are very similar. EPDs denote the breeding value of an individual animal’s progeny, whereas EBVs denote the value of the individual animal. An animal with a Postweaning Weight EBV of +6 will have an EPD of +3. Since NSIP EBVS are expressed in Kilograms (kg), we can convert the EBV to pounds by multiplying by 2.2 lbs per kg. A shortcut is to just view the EBV in kg as essentially the EPD in lbs as it will be within 10% of the value. So, it would be expected that a ram with a Postweaning Weight EBV of +6 would sire lambs that would be 6 lbs heavier at post-weaning than lambs sired by the average ram. Terminal Sire EBVs Postweaning Weight (PWWT) EBV (kg): combines preweaning and postweaning growth to predict genetic merit for postweaning weight at 120 days. It favors rapid growth to typical market ages. Loin Eye Muscle Depth (EMD) EBV (mm): indicator of muscle from ultrasound loin muscle depth measurements between the 12th and 13th ribs in live animals, adjusted to the standard postweaning weight of 110 lbs. A positive Loin Eye Muscle Depth EBV should produce offspring with larger loin eyes. Fat Depth (FAT) EBV (mm): is an indicator of fat between the 12th and 13th ribs from ultrasound fat depth measurements in live animals, adjusted to the standard postweaning weight of 110 lbs. A negative Fat Depth EBV should produce leaner
progeny with lower, more desirable Yield Grades. Fecal Egg Count : useful in selecting sheep with parasite resistance. Additional Maternal Traits Number of Lambs Born • Number of Lambs Weaned • Maternal Milk Carcass+ Index : this index combines postweaning weight, loin eye muscle depth, and fat depth data. This is not an EBV, but is an additional assessment tool that is particularly useful in evaluating terminal sire breeds. Suffolks are known for their fast growth, muscle, and leanness, and the Carcass+ Index is a composite assessment of those attributes. Customizable Options Producers can design their breeding program to focus on using the EBVs that will help them to best achieve the goals they have set for their flock. NSIP offers a Searchable Database that includes all animals enrolled in the program. This is a helpful tool in identifying breeding stock with EBVs that may be useful in a breeding program. The database can be accessed by anyone, not just NSIP members, and can be found at http://nsip. org/searchable-database/ Enroll Visit the NSIP website to find more about the enrollment costs and application process. Free flock data management software. Free training and mentoring support from a like-minded sheep breeder. Advanced genetic evaluation calculations using proven technology. Comprehensive reports on both individual animals and breeds. Listing on NSIP website. Option to consign to NSIP sales. News and updates via email. 5.0 10.0
Requirements To participate the required information for Suffolks that must be recorded: • Sire and Dam • Birthdate, type of birth, and rearing • Weaning weight • Post weaning weight Other optional data that can be included is birth weight and ultrasound data for eye muscle depth and fat. Connect nsip.org Carol Heupel , Suffolk Breed Representative, NSIP Board of Directors – heupelfarms@ gmail.com Rusty Burgett , NSIP Program Director - info@nsip.org Find NSIP Breeding Stock at the Center of the Nation Sale July 30th in Spencer, Iowa or NSIP Terminal Sire Online Sale July 12th @wlivestock.com!
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Real Results Producers enrolled in NSIP have many tools at their disposal to evaluate their breeding decisions and track progress. The graph below shows the progress by one Suffolk breeder enrolled in NSIP over the past ten years. There has been a marked increase in the Weaning Weight and Postweaning Weight EBVs. There has been a decrease in the Fat Depth EBV, which indicates progress towards leanness. There has been a slight decrease in the Eye Muscle Depth EBV.
Genetic Trends for Suffolk Flock XYZ
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Wwt EBV
Pwwt EBV
Pemd EBV
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