Presentation given at 2016 AKGA meeting in Ohio

1. S U S A N S C H O E N I A N
S H E E P & G O A T S P E C I A L I S T
U N I V E R S I T Y O F M A R Y L A N D E X T E N S I O N
S S C H O E N @ U M D . E D U
W W W . S H E E P A N D G O A T . C O M
The value of EBVs for the
US meat goat industry

2. Within herd Across herds
 On-farm performance
evaluation
 Adjusted weaning/litter weights
 Performance ratios
 Comparison of fecal egg counts
and/or FAMACHA© scores
 University programs
 Kentucky Goat Improvement
Program
 Tennessee State University
 Oklahoma State University
 Central Performance
Test
 Western Maryland
 Oklahoma
 Pennsylvania
 EBVs and EPDs
 NSIP (US/Australia)
 MGGES (US/Brazil)
 Genomics (future)
Making genetic improvement in meat goat herds

3. What is an EBV?
 EBV is an acronym. It stands for
Estimated Breeding Value.
 An EBV quantifies the genetic
merit of an animal (for breeding).
 It is a mathematical, computer-
generated prediction of an animal
for economically-important traits.
 For anyone familiar with EPDs
(used in cattle), an EBV is twice the
value of an EPD (P=progeny).
 EBVs can be calculated for any trait
for which data can be collected.

4. Another acronym. What is NSIP?
 NSIP stands for National Sheep
Improvement Program.
 NSIP is the organization that
provides EBVs for the US sheep
and goat industry.
 NSIP data is processed by Sheep
Genetics in Australia; there is both
a LAMBPLAN and a KIDPLAN.
 Other animal industries and
countries have similar programs.
 Small ruminant dairy producers
should use DHIA, not NSIP.

5. What traits does NSIP measure?
EBVs currently available through KIDPLAN
Fertility traits
Number of kids born (NKB, %)
Number of kids weaned (NKW, %)
Scrotal circumference (SC, cm)
Live weight traits
Birth weight (BWT, kg)
Weaning weight (WWT, kg)
Maternal weaning weight (MWWT, kg)
Post-weaning weight (PWWT, kg)
Yearling weight (YWT, kg )
Hogget weight (HWT, kg)
Adult weight (AWT, kg)
Carcass traits
Fat depth (FAT)
(post-weaning, yearling, hogget)
Eye muscle depth (EMD)
(post-weaning, yearling, hogget)
Carcass weight (CWT)
Worm egg count
Weaning (WWEC)
Post-weaning (PWEC)
Yearling (YWEC)
Indexes
Boer Goat $ Index
Carcass Plus Index

6. Indexes for Australian goat producers
Boer Goat $
Carcass Plus

7. What might an index for Kikos look like?
Trait EBV Contribution
Number of kids weaned NKW 50
Maternal milk MWWT 15
Weaning weight WWT 15
Worm egg count PWEC 20
Katahdin (hair sheep) Ewe Breed Index
0.246 x WWT EBV + 2.226 x MWWT EBV + 0.406 x NLW EBV – 0.035 x NLB EBV
Add PWWT (post-weaning weight) and EMD (eye muscle depth) or CWT
(carcass weight) to create multi-purpose index

8. Understanding the numbers

9. Understanding the numbers

10. 1. Herd EBVs 2. (Across-herd) EBVs
 Within-herd EBVs are
calculated when a herd is
not connected to other
NSIP flocks.
 EBVs on individual
animals can only be
compared to animals in
the same herd.
 Herd has genetic linkages
with other NSIP herds.
 EBVs from individual
animals can be compared
to EBVs from individuals
in other herds, regardless
of geographic location or
production system.
There are two kinds of EBVs.

11. T H E S E C H A R A C T E R I S T I C S A R E T H E A N I M A L ’ S
P H E N O T Y P E . T H E Y I N C L U D E T R A I T S W H I C H
W E C A N M E A S U R E O R O B S E R V E .
All animals have a set of
characteristics that represent
their value to a producer.
Number born
Birth weight
Weaning weight
Loin depth
Fecal egg count
Frame size
. . . and many more.

12. Phenotype is the result of the animal’s
genetics (genotype), as well as the
environment in which it was/is raised.
Phenotype
Environment

13. Most (75-90%) of the differences we see
between animals are the result of
environment, management, and/or chance.
The remaining differences are the
result of genetics.
This may seem small, but
genetics is permanent and
compounding .
EBVs help identify the portion of
differences that are due to
genetics.
EBVs are more accurate than on-
farm and centralized testing.

14. How are EBVs are calculated?
 EBVs are calculated by
accounting for known
sources of variation for
each (phenotypic) trait.
 Environment
 Genetics
 Heritability
 Genetic relationships
 Genetic correlations

15. Production environment Fixed effects
 Pen
 Pasture
 Diet
 Health
 Management
 Adjustment factors are used to
correct for fixed effects of
differences in environment.
 Adjustment factors standardize
traits (e.g. weaning weights) to a
common birth and rearing type.
 Type of birth (single)
 Type of rearing (single)
 Age of dam (3-6 years)
Environment is a large source of variation.

16. The effect of genetics on a trait varies.
 The variation in the
proportion of genetics on
a certain trait is called
heritability (h2).
 Reproductive
Low (5-20%)
 Growth
Moderate (10-50%)
 Carcass
Moderate (10-45%)
 Fiber
Moderate to high (25-55%)
 Lactation
Moderate (15-35%)
 Parasite resistance
Moderate to high (25-50%)
Number of kids born is only ~10% heritable.

17. EBVs account for relationships between animals.
 Offspring inherit roughly
50% of their genes from
their sire and 50% of their
genes from their dam.
 Half-sibs share about 25%
of their genes.
 First cousins share
approximately 12.5% of
their genes.
 Even distantly-related
animals share some genes.

18. EBVs account for genetic correlations.
 Most performance traits are not
controlled by a single gene, but
rather have multiple genes that
control the genetic portion of
trait expression.
 Positive correlations mean that
increases in one trait will result
in increases in another trait.
 For example: birth weight (BWT)
and weaning weight (WWT) have
a genetic correlation of 0.3.
 On the other hand, some traits
have negative genetic correlations,
such as staple length (SL) and
fiber diameter (FD).

19. EBVs are calculated from…
1. Data for trait measured.
E.g. weaning weight
2. Data from correlated
traits.
birth weight, post-weaning weight
3. Date from relatives.
sire, dam, siblings, cousins, distant relatives
4. Factoring in heritability.
10-50%
 EBVs are comparisons to
the herd or NSIP breed
average.

20. Strength of EBVs is highly
dependent on three concepts.
CONTEMPORARY GROUPS
GENETIC CONNECTIONS
ACCURACY

21. What is a contemporary group?
 A group of kids that are
born within 45 days of
each other and have been
managed the same way.
 Same feed
 Same pasture
 Same health protocol
 Good contemporary
groups have at least two
sires and enough offspring
(usually at least 20) from
each sire. A “management” group.

22. These aren’t contemporary groups.
 Different breeds/crosses.
 Kids born in different seasons or
more than 45 days apart.
 Kids whose dams were separated
for preferential feeding or grazing.
 Creep-fed vs. non creep-fed kids.
 Kids raised in different locations.
 Fostered kids.
 Kids removed for artificial rearing.

23. Importance of genetic linkages
 When animals share
some percentage of the
same genetics.
 Genetic linkages provide
a means to compare the
performance of animals
in different herds.
 Genetic linkages are best
accomplished by using
the same male in two or
more participating herds.
I’m coming
to your
farm next.

24. What are EBV accuracy values?
 A measure of confidence in an
animal’s EBV.
 How representative is the EBV of
the animal’s true breeding value?
 Accuracy values range from 0 to
100.
 The higher the accuracy value is,
the more confident we can be in
the EBV.
 Accuracy values are affected by…
 The amount of performance data that is
available on the animal and its parents.
 The heritability of the trait.
 The size of the group in which the
animal was compared.

25. Who should enroll in NSIP?
 Purebred producers who want to
improve the accuracy of their selection.
 Producers whose herds are large
enough to use multiple sires and have
enough animals to create meaningful
contemporary groups.
 Producers who can provide pedigree
data (single sire matings) on progeny.
 Producers who are willing to measure,
record, and submit the required data;
many producers are already collecting
the necessary data.
 Producers who have or are willing to
create genetic linkages with other
breeders.
NSIP IS SCIENCE-BASED, INDUSTRY-TESTED.

26. Participation in NSIP
 Sheep
 Dorset (9)
 Hampshire (12)
 Katahdin (~50)
 Polypay (~30)
 Shropshire (8)
 Suffolk (~30)
 Targhee (~26)
 Other breeds have fewer than 3
flocks enrolled.
 There are only four meat goat
herds currently enrolled in NSIP.
Source: NSIP, Feb. 10, 2016

27. Can producers with small herds in NSIP?
 Anyone can enroll their herd in
NSIP.
 Small herds should purchase or
lease bucks with EBVs.
 Small herds need to use two
sires for breeding.
 Rate of genetic progress will be
slower with small herds.
 Herd EBVs instead of (across-
herd) EBVs can be calculated, if
there are no connections to
other NSIP herds.
15 does
SIRE A
15 does
SIRE B
25 kids
SIRE A
25 kids
SIRE B
30 does of same breed

28. • E B V s a r e e q u a l l y b e n e f i c i a l
t o s h e e p a n d g o a t p r o d u c e r s .
• W h i l e N S I P u s e s s h e e p
t e r m i n o l o g y ( e w e , r a m , a n d
l a m b ) , i t c o u l d c h a n g e i f
m o r e g o a t p r o d u c e r s w e r e
e n r o l l e d i n N S I P .
• S h e e p G e n e t i c s A u s t r a l i a a l s o
h a s a K I D P L A N .
• D r . K e n A n d r i e s f r o m
K e n t u c k y S t a t e U n i v e r s i t y i s
N S I P c o o r d i n a t o r f o r g o a t s .
I’m a goat producer. Why
should I enroll in the National
Sheep Improvement Program?

29. Purebred producer Commercial producer
 Enroll your herd in NSIP and
use EBVs to improve your
accuracy of selection for
economically important traits.
 Purchase breeding stock,
especially bucks, with above
average EBVs or indexes
(enrolled and non-enrolled
herds; small herds).
 Establish values for your
breeding stock.
 Purchase bucks with
above-average EBVs or
indexes.
 Direct from breeder
 Performance sales
How would I use EBVs in my herd?

30. Balanced selection Single trait selection
 Most common
(recommended) practice.
 Choose animals that are
above-average in all traits.
“Breed the best to the
best.”
 Use indexes to help make
selection decisions.
 Focus on small number of
traits.
 Correct problem in herd
 Create elite herd for specific
trait(s).
 Riskier goal
 Need to be beware of
unintended consequences
(problems) that can results with
single or narrow trait selection.
How would I use EBVs to select better animals?

31. Match production system and goals to EBVs.
 If you sell 40-lb. kids, put selection
emphasis on weaning weights, not
post-weaning weights.
 In pasture-based operations, it is
important to select for parasite
resistance (low worm egg counts).
 Select for number of kids weaned
and against number of kids born to
favor does that raise their kids.
 Prolific herds may want to select
for maternal weaning weights to
reduce number of orphan kids.

32. Required Optional
 Date of birth
 Birth type
 Rear type
 Sire and dam info
 Contemporary (or
(management) groups
 Birth weight
 Weaning weight
 Post weaning weight
 Worm egg counts
(weaning, post-weaning, adult)
 Scrotal circumference
 Ultrasound scan data
 Fiber traits
What do I need to measure and record?

33. How do I enroll my herd in NSIP?
 Go to NSIP.org
 Print and fill out the enrollment
form.
 Send with check to NSIP.
 Enrollment fees are waived for
first year members and for three
years for members younger than
22 (as of 1/1/16).
 However, there is a $100 data
fee deposit (is refunded after
data is submitted).
 Start collecting and entering
data.

34. Annual enrollment Data fee
 Based on size of herd
 $100
 $2.50 x doe
 $25 for additional breed
• Capped at $400
- $25 early bird credit
 Based on number of
kids with post birth
measurement.
 $2.85 per animal,
excluding animals
designated as culls or
commercials.
 Covers lifetime of animal.
How much do EBVs cost?
Herd with 40 does
$100 + (40 x $2.50) = $200

35. Will EBVs make me money?
 The primary purpose of EBVs
(and EPDs) is to make genetic
improvements in your own herd
(i.e. increase profitability).
 There is an increasing
demand for sheep with EBVs.
 SW Virginia Ram Test
 Center of the Nation
NSIP Sale (Iowa)
 Montana Ram Sale
 NSIP sale in East [?]
 Goats (eventually ?)Buck with an EBV of +10.0 for NKW
Daughters will produce 0.10 more kids
That’s 10 more kids per 100 kiddings
10 extra kids x $150/kid = $1500
Buck with EBV of +3.0 for WWT
Progeny will be 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) heavier at
weaning than average
3.3 lbs x $2.50/lb = $7.26/kid
50 kids x $7.26 = $363
100 kids x $7.26 = $726

36. Tips for making NSIP/EBVs work for you.
 Collect the right data at the
right time
 Plan breeding groups to
test genetics.
 Maintain good
contemporary groups.
 Cooperate with other NSIP
breeders.
 Communicate with
commercial producers.
 Be honest
 Be patient and trust the
data.

37. CAN CAN’T
 Select doe replacements for
economically-important traits.
 Make purchasing decisions.
 Make culling decisions.
 Select herd sire(s)
 Increase the accuracy of selection for
superior performance.
 Set value of breeding stock.
 Increase profitability of enterprise.
 Improve productivity of breed.
 Tell if an animal is structurally
connect.
 Tell if an animal has good
conformation.
 Tell if an animal has good breed
character.
 Tell if an animal has a genetic
defect (e.g. bad bite).
 Replace visual appraisal.
 Force you to make the right
breeding decisions.
What EBVs can and can’t do

38. MAYBE, MAYBE NOT
EBVs identify poor
performing animals .
Animals without EBVs
could be genetically
superior (or inferior), but
there is no way of knowing.
Are animals with EBVs better
than animals without EBVs?
“If you don’t measure it,
you can’t manage it.”

39. N A T I O N A L S H E E P I M P R O V E M E N T P R O G R A M
h t t p : / / n s i p . o r g
D A T A G I V E S G O A T P R O D U C E R S A L O O K A T T H E W H O L E P A C K A G E
h t t p : / / n s i p . o r g / w p - c o n t e n t / u p l o a d s / 2 0 1 5 / 0 1 / g o a t - a r t i c l e - f l i e r - 4 . p d f
H O W T H E G O A T I N D U S T R Y C A N B E N E F I T F R O M N S I P
h t t p : / / w w w . s l i d e s h a r e . n e t / s c h o e n i a n / h o w - t h e - g o a t
S H E E P G E N E T I C S A U S T R A L I A – K I D P L A N
h t t p : / / w w w . s h e e p g e n e t i c s . o r g . a u /
B r e e d i n g - s e r v i c e s / K I D P L A N - H o m e
Information about EBVs
(and NSIP) online.

40. Thank you for your attention.
Questions? Comments
SUSAN SCHOENIAN
Sheep & Goat Specialist
University of Maryland
sschoen@umd.edu
www.sheepandgoat.com