In other words, he is in the top one percent of the available sires. Percentile values are calculated relative to each summary. Therefore, a breeder may wish to select a constant value for percentile ranking to use in choosing sires and not have to be as concerned about remembering specific predicted difference values. As available sires improve over time the breeder's selection standards will also improve automatically. Type Evaluations Space does not permit a lengthy discussion of this topic, but many of the principles used in selecting for production also apply to selection for type.
Improved type can add to the merchandising value of a herd and, perhaps, extend average herd life.
Selection for improved type can be done simultaneously with selection for improved production. It cannot, however, be a substitute for selecting directly for production. As in the production traits, it is important to determine bull rankings and differences between bulls. This is more important than the average score of his daughters because it predicts the superiority or inferiority of his future daughters compared with their breed average herdmates. All of the breed associations in the U.S. are using linear type appraisal which was developed in consultation with the AI industry.