Getting Started with EBVs

Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) are measurements of the genetic potential of an animal. They are really useful in ensuring precise breeding and optimising livestock productivity. More productive animals can mean increased profitability and are better for the environment.

EBVs focus on a specific trait of an animal, whether a bull’s breeding merit, maternal traits, carcase or fertility traits. There are many indexes available so if you are just getting started, using EBVs can be confusing.

We created our guide to help you get started and we have included some helpful tables that you can print out and have to hand.