BREEDPLAN Overview
BREEDPLAN is the current genetic evaluation system adopted by Herefords Australia, and is used locally and internationally for beef breeders.
The outcome of a BREEDPLAN analysis is Estimated Breeding Values (EBV’s) of recorded cattle for a range of traits.
EBV’s calculate an animal’s own performance, performance of any known relatives, the heritability of each trait and the relationship between different traits.
EBV’s express the difference between an individual animals genetic merit and the base population to which the animals is compared too.
As of October 2017, Herefords Australia has begun incorporating Genomic DNA profiles into the BREEDPLAN analysis, which has seen an improved level of genetic linkage of an individual animal to the base population of the Hereford BREEDPLAN herd. This is what is referred to Single Step.
BREEDPLAN – UNDERSTANDING DATA SUBMISISON AND EBV ACCURACY
The Herefords group BREEDPLAN analysis is conducted monthly, with member data submissions due on the 3rd of each month.
EBV’s are updated at the completion of the monthly analysis, and published against the individual Hereford animal. A trait EBV will only be published if the accuracy of the specific trait is greater than 20%. Each trait for an animal can then be compared to the breed average, to see how the individual animal compares with the rest of the breed.
Accuracy below 50% tend to be based on little information & will have a greater chance of variation as more data becomes available.
The more trait data that is submitted on an individual animal, the more stable that individual animals EBV’s become. Accuracy’s then becomes more stable as progeny data is submitted, as genetic linkages to the base population become stronger.
The implementation of genomic testing has seen vast improvements in this area.
Data can be submitted via the BREEDPLAN Recording Template, or via the Member Login Area.
http://herefordsaus.dsis.com.au/member-services/forms-and-templates/
Please contact the Herefords Australia office if you cannot access the BREEDPLAN submission area under the Member Login Area.
BREEDPLAN – ENROLMENT
BREEDPLAN membership will be charged at a ‘rate per cow on inventory’. The rate is set on a sliding scale. This ensures that it remains ‘user pay’ and also acknowledges those members with scale.
Please remember that BREEDPLAN membership is optional and members can choose not to be a member of BREEDPLAN. However, EBVs are only published for members of BREEDPLAN.
BREEDPLAN Membership Rates:
# Cows $/cow (excl GST)
First 100 $ 7.00
101 – 200 $ 6.00
201 – 300 $ 5.00
>300 $ 4.00
For Example – If you have 57 cows on your 2020 Inventory, BREEDPLAN Membership will be $399 (+GST).
If you have 136 cows on your 2020 Inventory, BREEDPLAN Membership will be $916 (+GST).
Price is calculated using the number cows on your Inventory (once finalised on May 31). BREEDPLAN Membership will be invoiced on September 1st with payment due by September 30. BREEDPLAN Membership and EBV reporting will be turned off on October 1st for any members who have chosen not to pay their BREEDPLAN Membership.
Members interested in participating in the Hereford group BREEDPLAN are encouraged to contact the office on (02) 6772 1399 to discuss their requirements of performance recording for their operation.
BREEDPLAN have a range of technical tip sheets, on a comprehensive range of topics, that can be found here:
http://breedplan.une.edu.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14&Itemid=35
BREEDPLAN CONTACTS
Keryn Hutton | Hereford BREEDPLAN
C/- ABRI, UNE, ARMIDALE NSW 2351
Telephone: 02 6773 3059
Fax: 02 6772 5376
Email: hereford@breedplan.une.edu.au
Web: www.breedplan.une.edu.au
Catriona Millen | Technical Officer, Southern Beef Technology Services
C/- ABRI, UNE, ARMIDALE NSW 2351
Telephone: 02 6773 3357
Fax: 02 6772 5376
Mobile: 0409 102 644
Email: catriona@sbts.une.edu.au
Web: www.sbts.une.edu.au