Visually assess the bull for conformation and soundness on his feet. Use the EBV figures to assess the genetic potential that the bull will pass to his offspring. A higher positive calving value is associated with a shorter gestation length and an easier calving. Bulls with high negative values should be avoided if difficult calvings are to be kept to a minimum. If you are finishing your calves and want to produce a carcase demanded by the market in terms of weight, conformation and fatness then look at Beef Value.
Positive values mean increased profits.
Be careful - selecting for fast growth, heavy weights and high muscling scores could result in heavy birthweights. This could lead to higher veterinary costs at calving, increased mortality and reduced cow fertility. Yes - Accuracy values are presented along with the EBV s and they indicate how close the EBV s are to the true breeding values of the animal. Ewes grazing infected pastures in the autumn time will have picked up infective worm larvae from the grass. These burrow into the lining of the gut and because the temperature drops at this time of year, they do not undergo their normal development, but hibernate as arrested larvae over winter.