How BREEDPLAN compares animals running in different environments
Meat & Livestock Australia March 22, 2024
Calculation of a BREEDPLAN EBV (the genetic component) requires the removal of environmental effects from raw performance data.
Within the BREEDPLAN analysis, only animals that have had an equal opportunity to perform are directly compared. This means that all differences in performance can be attributed to genetics. Groups of animals that have had an equal opportunity to perform are defined as a contemporary group
Optional reading: More information can be found in the Understanding BREEDPLAN Contemporary Groups tip sheet.
BREEDPLAN uses genetic linkage to benchmark animals in different contemporary groups. Genetic linkage allows beef producers to compare EBVs (within the one analysis) of animals in different herds. These different contemporary groups can be within herd (e.g. different mobs), across herds and across country (e.g. TransTasman BREEDPLAN analyses). Genetic linkage is usually achieved via the use of common sires.
Optional reading: More information can be found in the Understanding Genetic Linkage tip sheet.