Why use EBVs (expected breeding values)?
Expected breeding values (EBVs- also called expected progeny differences (EPDs) in some other genetic evaluation programs) are used to accurately select rams and ewes that produce consistent and profitable progeny based on the traits selected. EBVs estimate the genetic merit of animals for key production traits. In doing this, we are able to remove the environmental variables (such as season of the year, forage quality (i.e. pasture vs. hay), or supplemental feeding), and across different flocks if sufficient genetic links are made between flocks. In practical terms, this allows us to remove the effect of management (or environment) from genetic selection. For example, if I were to select the largest lambs from each group at weaning, I am likely to be selecting the singles, which may be counterproductive to increased fertility. 1. Many production traits cannot be assessed accurately by visual inspection Key examples of this are prolificacy and milk production. When purchasing a ram, ho
