When selecting cattle, it's becoming tempting to rely too heavily (or exclusively) on Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) due to their quantitative nature and the seemingly objective insights they offer instantly through adoption of appealing, emerging technology.
EBVs, derived from sophisticated genetic and statistical analysis, provide an important insight into an animal’s genetic merit and/or potential for various traits.
However, it shouldn’t ’stand alone’ in decision making nor perhaps should it even come first! Prospective buyers sometimes call me and say ‘send me the EBV’s’ yet they haven’t even seen a picture or video of the animal yet - this never ceases to amaze me!
Whilst they are valuable tools, they should be just one element in a broader, more comprehensive selection process. Other key factors such as pedigree, phenotype, structure, conformity, functionality and fertility must be considered and weighted appropriately. It’s a bit like reading a students report card - look at all the marks and all the comments and feedback then decide if it’s a good one or not!
Each breeder and buyer must tailor their selection process to meet their specific goals and market needs. I’ve passed on buying artwork by famous or ‘trending’ artists because I simply didn’t like it, didn’t suit me and I didn’t mind doing so even if it ticked a heap of other boxes - similarly I’ve bought art because I personally liked it!
The Limitations of EBVs
EBVs are incredibly useful particularly for traits that are difficult to measure directly, like marbling, fats, or feed efficiency. But perhaps consider what you can actually see in front of you shouldn’t be diminished, in fact perhaps consider the ‘real deal‘ on the ground should perhaps come first!?
I often ask colleagues, mentors or advisors such as stud stock specialists (people that know much more than me) to look over a beast with an experts eye and they say ‘it’s a good thing’ yet the EBV’s are poor. (a perfect example of this is in the show ring with judges rightly awarding ribbons based on the animal paraded in front of them - many may have poor EBV’s.) Similarly I can ask for a second opinion on something with elite EBV’s and I get ‘don’t like it’.
EBV’s can have these limitations:
1. Incomplete Picture: EBVs focus on specific traits and may overlook other essential attributes such as physical structure or marketability.
2. Data Dependency: The accuracy of EBVs depends on the quality and quantity of data available. Inaccurate or insufficient data can to inaccuracy. There can also be erroneous stats or even just transposing from one country to another can be problematic.
3. Genetic Variation: EBVs are based on averages and probabilities as I understand it. Individual animals may perform better or worse than their EBVs suggest.
4. Changing Priorities: coming from a sales and marketing business background it’s a red flag to me - market demands and environmental conditions can shift, making some traits more or less desirable over time, similarly buyers have different needs. EBVs might not adapt quickly enough to these changes nor may they fully reflect what some buyers are looking for.
The Importance of a Holistic Approach
As Buzz Lightyear said ‘to infinity and beyond’…
To select the best cattle, breeders and buyers must consider multiple factors ‘beyond’ EBVs:
1. Pedigree: The genetic background of an animal provides insights into its potential. A strong pedigree can indicate a lineage of desirable traits, even if current EBV’s don’t fully capture them. I once watched an excellent documentary ‘Look Back in Angus’ a famous matriarch of the Angus industry bought a grim looking breeder at low end pricing that was overlooked by others but because of the pedigree she smartly knew this would breed on well. Astute businesswoman. Oops business ‘person’.
2. Phenotype: The observable physical characteristics of an animal, including size, shape, and colour/coat texture, are essential. Phenotype assessment ensures that the animal meets visual and practical standards for your operation and your location. And your own taste and goals!
3. Structure and Conformation: Proper physical structure is crucial for longevity and productivity. In the property industry it’s ’location location location’ with cattle ‘feet feet feet’. Animals with poor conformation may be prone to health issues, regardless of their genetic potential.
4. Functionality: Assessing how well an animal performs in its environment (on your property) and its ability to thrive under specific management practices is critical. Functionality includes adaptability, efficiency, and resilience. If i send bulls to customers in Queensland from our block on the Monaro I want them to go young so they get a ‘soft release’ and are adapting well before they are put into ‘work mode’.
5. Fertility: Reproductive performance is a cornerstone of cattle production. High fertility rates ensure herd sustainability and profitability.
Tailoring Selection to Market Needs
Different breeders and buyers have varied goals based on their market and operational needs. What works for one operation might not be suitable for another. Here’s how to balance different factors:
1. Commercial Operations: Focus on traits that enhance production efficiency and profitability, such as growth rates, feed efficiency, and carcass quality. However, do not neglect physical soundness and fertility, which are vital for maintaining a productive herd.
2. Producers: Emphasise genetic potential and pedigree to provide high-quality breeding animals. Balance this with physical assessments to ensure animals can perform well and pass on desirable traits.
3. Specialty Markets: Tailor selection to meet niche demands, such as grass-fed or organic beef.
Conclusion
EBVs are an invaluable tool in cattle selection, I love them and refer to them all the time, but relying on them exclusively might be shortsighted. A holistic approach, considering pedigree, phenotype, structure, conformity, functionality, and fertility, provides a more comprehensive assessment allowing for an ‘informed decision’.
Breeders and buyers must tailor their selection criteria to meet your specific goals and market needs. By balancing these factors, you can build herds (over time) that are not only genetically superior but also physically robust and well-suited to your own production environments.
This is all just my opinion for education and entertainment. I realise and appreciate everybody has different views too - it was just too cold to get out of bed at Jackaroo Angus Stud at the base of the Snowy Mountains where we breed our cattle in tough conditions. (tougher than me - anyhow instead of weetbix I better have some cement and get on with it).
This little story was inspired by us buying a heifer that I really liked for several reasons above and beyond her EBV’s.
- Mark
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