THE Agricultural Business Research Institute is hosting a series of new online workshops this year, aiming to help de-mystify the use of BreedPlan EBVs and Selection Indexes in animal selection.
The hour-long workshops will help beef producers explore how BreedPlan information can be utilised, alongside visual assessment, in animal selection.
“A bull purchased this sale season will have a long-term impact on the direction of the herd,” ABRI extension & engagement team leader Catriona Millen said.
“Therefore, it is important that beef producers understand how to identify and select bulls with the best genetics for their particular production system.”
Topics to be explored in the workshop will include how to interpret BreedPlan EBVs and Selection Indexes, a guide to using this information in animal selection decisions, and how to search the online database to create a shortlist of animals with suitable genetics for any producer’s operation ahead of sale day.
“Attending a bull sale with a shortlist in place allows the user to concentrate on inspecting their pre-selected bulls for structure and temperament, while knowing that they have suitable genetic merit for their operation’s breeding objectives,” Ms Millen said.
“In doing so, beef producers will be able to make more informed selection decisions at sale time.”
Workshops
The free Using BreedPlan Information in Animal Selection workshops will run throughout 2025, with the first scheduled to take place from 7pm AEDT (6pm AEST) on Tuesday 25 March. Further workshops are planned for May, July and September.
Bookings are essential, and can be made online here.
About ABRI
ABRI is at the forefront of livestock breeding technology, delivering leading-edge, data-driven solutions that enhance the productivity, sustainability and profitability of the global agricultural industry. With more than 50 years’ experience, ABRI is a leading provider of innovative AgTech products, software services and technology solutions, including the BreedPlan Genetic Evaluation, and a breed registry suite. The institute’s objectives include improving the rate of genetic gain to assist producers in meeting value chain demands in current and future markets.
The very first lesson that needs to be taught in understanding EBV’s, is that you can only compare animals/figures of those within a contemporary group. This should also then be the parting comment. There is so much confusion and misunderstanding surrounding the understanding of “figures”.