A Pocket Guide to

ASBVS
Australian Sheep Breeding Values

A product of
 - Contents -
LAMBPLAN and MERINOSELECT ................................................................................ 3
What is an ASBV? ...............................................................................................................4
Interpreting ASBVs.............................................................................................................5
Selection indexes................................................................................................................6
Using selection indexes .................................................................................................... 7
ASBVs for LIVE WEIGHT traits .................................................................................8
ASBVs for CARCASE traits....................................................................................... 10
ASBVs for LEAN MEAT YIELD & EATING QUALITY traits...................... 12
ASBVs for FLEECE traits .............................................................................................14
ASBVs for REPRODUCTION traits .......................................................................16
ASBVs for PARASITE RESISTANCE traits....................................................... 18
Sheep Genetics traits & ages of evaluation ............................................................... 20
Reports.............................................................................................................................. 21
Contact details ................................................................................................................ 22
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 - LAMBPLAN & MERINOSELECT -

Delivered through Sheep Genetics, LAMBPLAN and MERINOSELECT are

the national genetic evaluation services for the Australian sheep industry.
They provide a common genetic language in the form of Australian
Sheep Breeding Values (ASBVs) to stud and commercial sheep producers.

LAMBPLAN and MERINOSELECT receive information from ram breeders

on their sheep to calculate a breeding value for each animal. Both have
searchable databases which are publicly available on the Sheep Genetics
website. Here subscribers and visitors can source and compare sheep
based on their ASBVs.

www.sheepgenetics.org.au
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What is an Australian Sheep Breeding Value (ASBV)?

An ASBV is an estimate of the genetic potential a sheep will pass on to its progeny.
ASBVs are available for a range of economically important traits and are designed
to be used in conjunction with visual selection.The appearance and performance
of an animal is a combination of its genes and the environment in which it is
raised (e.g. the amount and quality of feed, single or twin birth type). ASBVs
account for these environmental effects, allowing the comparison of sheep based
on the genes they will pass on to their progeny. It is important to remember
when selecting sheep you are choosing the genes, not the environment.
The LAMBPLAN and MERINOSELECT ASBV logos are your guarantee for
across-flock breeding values describing an animal’s genetic merit. Always look
for these when making your selection decisions.

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 - How to Interpret ASBVs -

1. AGE STAGE 2.TRAIT NAME

The first letter is the age stage. The trait is expressed as an
B = Birth P WT abbreviation of the trait name. This
W = Weaning (6-16 weeks) example is weight (WT).
P = Post weaning (7-10 months)
Y = Yearling (10-13 months) 3. ASBV
H = Hogget (13-18 months) ASBVs are expressed as either
A = Adult (>18 months) 10.2 positive or negative deviations
from an average. This example for
4. ASBV ACCURACY (%) post weaning weight (PWT) is
This is a reflection of the amount 10.2kg. As rams contribute half
the genetics of their progeny (the
of information available on each 81 ewe the other half), the resulting
animal for each trait. As the
amount of information increases progeny will on average be 5.1kg
the accuracy increases. The higher heavier at post weaning than an
the accuracy, the closer the ASBV animal with a PWT ASBV of 0.
is to the true breeding value of the
animal.
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 - What is a Selection Index? -

Selecting animals involves balancing several key traits. To make selection easier traits can
be combined into a selection index. A selection index combines ASBVs for several traits
to give a single value. This reflects the performance of the sheep relative to the breeding
objective of the particular index.
LAMBPLAN and MERINOSELECT offer a range of selection indexes, details of which can be
found at www.sheepgenetics.org.au.
Index types include:

$ Value Indexes: A dollar index indicates the value of an animal based on its suitability
for a particular market.The value is given in real dollar figures and expressed as $/ewe joined/
yr. For example a dollar index of 105 indicates that a ram will produce $5 extra value for
every ewe joined compared to a ram with an $ index of 100. Therefore over four years, if a
ram produces 200 progeny, the extra value produced by that ram will be $5 x 200 = $1,000.

Desired Gains Indexes: Work on a proportional gain of a combination of traits.

For example the Carcase Plus index puts 65% emphasis on increasing growth, 5% on
decreasing fat and 30% on increased eye muscle depth.
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 - Using Selection Indexes -

When using an index it is important that the aim of the index matches your
flock’s breeding objective, putting emphasis on your economically important
traits. Below are ASBVs and index values for two sheep in the Sheep Genetics
database. Note the index value is the same for both animals, however, they have
significantly different ASBVs for PEMD and PFAT. While indexes are useful
tools, it is important to always consider individual trait ASBVs to ensure you are
selecting genetics that will have the desired effect on your flock.

Ram ID PWT PFAT PEMD Index

(kg) (mm) (mm)

Ram 1 7.6 -0.7 0.8 155

Ram 2 8.4 1.0 3.3 155
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 - ASBVs for Live Weight Traits -

Example Live Weight ASBVs

Trait BWT MWWT WWT PWT YWT

Abbreviation (kg) (kg) (kg) (kg) (kg)

ASBV 0.28 1.4 6.4 9.8 6.0

Accuracy (%) 65 55 72 76 68
Compared to a Produce 4.9kg
0.14kg daughters 3.2kg 3kg
ram with an ASBV heavier
heavier at who wean heavier at heavier at
of 0, this ram’s lambs 0.7kg at post
birth weaning yearling
progeny will be: heavier weaning

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 - Live Weight ASBV Definitions -

BWT: Birth Weight (kg) - Rams with more negative BWT ASBVs produce
lambs which are lighter at birth.
(BWT ASBVs estimate the genetic difference between animals in live
weight at birth)

WT: Weight (kg) - Rams with more positive WT ASBVs produce progeny
that grow quicker and are heavier at a certain age. WT ASBVs are
reported at weaning (WWT), post weaning (PWT), yearling
(YWT), hogget (HWT) and adult (AWT) ages.
(WT ASBVs estimate the genetic difference between animals in live
weight at a given age)

MWWT: Maternal Weaning Weight (kg) - Rams with more positive

MWWT ASBVs will produce daughters that wean heavier lambs.
(MWWT ASBVs give an estimate of the female progeny’s potential for milk
production and ability to provide a better maternal environment)
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 - ASBVs for Carcase Traits -

Example Carcase ASBVs

PFAT PEMD
Trait Abbreviation
(mm) (mm)

ASBV -1.0 2.2

Accuracy (%) 68 70

Compared to a ram with 1.1mm deeper in the

0.5mm leaner at post
an ASBV of 0, this ram’s eye muscle at post
weaning
progeny will be: weaning

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 - Carcase ASBV Definitions -

FAT: Fat Depth (mm) - Rams with more negative FAT ASBVs produce
progeny that are leaner. FAT is reported at post weaning (PFAT),
yearling (YFAT) and hogget (HFAT) ages.
(FAT ASBVs estimates the genetic difference between animals in GR
fat depth)

EMD: Eye Muscle Depth (mm) - Rams with more positive ASBVs for
EMD will produce progeny that have more muscle, independent of
weight, and a higher lean meat yield. EMD is reported at
post weaning (PEMD), yearling (YEMD) and hogget (HEMD) ages.
(EMD ASBVs estimate the genetic difference between animals in eye
muscle depth at the C site)

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- ASBVs for Lean Meat Yield & Eating Quality Traits -

Example Lean Meat Yield & Eating Quality ASBVs

LMY IMF SF
Trait Abbreviation
(%) (%) (kg)

ASBV 2.4 0.5 -1.6

Accuracy (%) 62 67 55

Compared to a ram with 0.25% more

1.2% greater 0.8 kg lower shear
an ASBV of 0, this ram’s lean meat yield intramuscular force
progeny will have: fat

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- Lean Meat Yield & Eating Quality ASBV Definitions -

LMY: Lean Meat Yield (%) - Rams with more positive LMY ASBVs
produce lambs that have a higher Lean Meat Yield percentage
at slaughter

IMF: Intramuscular Fat (%) - Rams with more positive IMF ASBVs
produce progeny with higher levels of intramuscular fat.
(IMF is a measure of the chemical fat percentage in the loin muscle of a
lamb, and is often referred to as marbling. IMF has been shown to have
a significant impact on the flavour, juciness, tenderness and overall
likeability of lamb.)

SF: Shear Force (kg) - Rams with more negative SF ASBVs produce
lambs with more tender meat.
(Shear Force is a measure of the force or energy required to cut through the
loin muscle of lamb after 5 days of ageing, the ASBV is reported in deviations
of kilograms of force)

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 - ASBVs for Fleece Traits -

Example Fleece ASBVs

Trait YCFW YFD YFDCV YSS YSL YCURV

Abbreviation (%) (µm) (%) (N/Ktex) (mm) (°/mm)

ASBV 18.0 -1.6 -1.0 4.0 8.6 4.8

Accuracy (%) 65 76 67 62 72 76
Compared to a 9% 0.5% less 2 N/Ktex 4.3mm 2.4 °/mm
0.8 µm
ram with an ASBV greater variation stronger longer higher
finer at
of 0, this ram’s CFW at in micron wool at wool at curvature
yearling
progeny will have: yearling at yearling yearling yearling as yearling

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 - Fleece ASBV Definitions -

CFW: Clean Fleece Weight (%) - Rams with higher CFW ASBVs produce
progeny which will cut more wool.
FD: Fibre Diameter (µm) - Rams with more negative FD ASBVs
produce progeny which are finer.
FDCV: Fibre Diameter Coefficient of Variation (%) - Rams with lower FDCV
ASBVs will produce progeny with lower variation in fibre diameter.
SS: Staple Strength (N/Ktex) - Rams with more positive SS
ASBVs will produce progeny with stronger wool.
SL: Staple Length (mm) - Rams with more positive SL ASBVs will produce
progeny with longer fibre length.
CURV: Curvature (°/mm) - Rams with more positive CURV
ASBVs will produce progeny which have more crimp.
(Fleece ASBVs estimate the genetic difference between animals for measurable wool characteristics.
Fleece ASBVs are available at three age stages: Yearling (Y), Hogget (H) and Adult (A))

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 - ASBVs for Reproduction Traits -

Example Reproduction ASBVs

NLB NLW PSC

Trait Abbreviation
(%) (%) (cm)

ASBV 2 3 1.2

Accuracy (%) 42 43 55
Have 0.6cm
Compared to a ram with
Produce 1% Wean 1.5% greater scrotal
an ASBV of 0, this ram’s
more lambs more lambs circumference
progeny will:
at post weaning

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 - Reproduction ASBV Definitions -

NLB: Number of Lambs Born (%) - Rams with more positive NLB ASBVs
will sire daughters that produce a higher percentage of lambs.
(NLB ASBVs estimate the genetic difference between animals for the
number of lambs born at each lambing opportunity)

NLW: Number of Lambs Weaned (%) - Rams with more positive NLW
ASBVs will sire daughters that wean a higher percentage of lambs.
(NLW ASBVs estimate the genetic difference between animals for the
number of lambs weaned at each lambing opportunity)

SC: Scrotal Circumference (cm) - Rams with more positive SC ASBVs

produce daughters which are more fertile. SC is reported at post
weaning (PSC), yearling (YSC) and hogget (HSC) ages.
(SC ASBVs estimate the genetic difference between animals for scrotal
circumference)

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 - ASBVs for Worm Resistance Traits -

Example Worm Resistance ASBVs

PWEC
Trait Abbreviation
(%)

ASBV -20

Accuracy (%) 60

Compared to a ram with an ASBV 10% more resistant to worm

of 0, this ram’s progeny will be: challenge at post weaning

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 - Worm Resistance ASBV Definitions -

WEC: Worm Egg Count (%) - Rams with more negative WEC ASBVs
produce progeny who have a higher genetic potential to resist worm
burdens. Lower WEC ASBVs are desirable. WEC ASBVs are
available at weaning (WWEC), post weaning (PWEC), yearling
(YWEC) and hogget (HWEC) ages.

(WEC ASBVs estimate an animal’s genetic ability for carrying worm burdens.
This is a combination of being genetically less likely to pick up worms, and
being able to cope immunologically with the worm burden. WEC ASBVs are
expressed as a percentage relative to a count of 500 eggs per gram)

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 - Sheep Genetics Traits and Ages of Evaluation -

Muscle Worm
Live Scrotal Type &
Age range & fat Fleece egg
Age stage weight circumference structural
evaluation 1 depth traits 2 count
(kg) (cm) traits 3
(mm) (epg)
Birth Birth to 24hrs
42-120 days
Weaning (6-16 wks)
Early post 120-210 days
weaning (4-7 mths)
Post 210-300 days
weaning (7-10 mths)
300-400 days
Yearling (10-13 mths)
400-540 days
Hogget (13-18 mths)
>540 days
Adult (>18 mths)
1
The average age of the sheep in the Management Group.
2
Fleece traits:The minimum fleece growth at evaluation is six months for fleece weight (kg) and five months for fibre diameter (µm);
coefficient of variation of fibre diameter (%); staple strength (N/ktex); staple length (mm),
crimp frequency (crimps/cm) and the scored wool quality traits (fleece rot, fleece colour, fleece character and staple weathering).
3
Scoring type and structural traits (face cover, neck/body development and feet/leg conformation).
For more information refer to the Visual Sheep Scores guide.
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 - Reports -
Sheep Genetics provides a number of publicly available reports from the
LAMBPLAN terminal and maternal and MERINOSELECT databases.
PERCENTILE BANDS show the range of ASBVs across all animals in
the current year drop. This allows you to see where an animal ranks for
that trait within the breed or analysis group. For example, if an animal is in
the 1st percentile it is one of the highest performing animals for that trait,
if in the 50th percentile it is around average, or if it is in the 90th
percentile it is one of the lowest performing animals.
TRAIT LEADERS Ranks the top sires and young males that are trait
leaders in key production traits.

ELITES The top 150 sires, dams, young males and females for a selection
index.
To access these reports, visit the Sheep Genetics website and follow the
links to LAMBPLAN or MERINOSELECT, then click on reports.
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 - Contact Details -

Building W41a, The Short Run, UNE, ARMIDALE NSW 2351

Phone: (02) 8055 1818 Fax: (02) 8055 1850
Email: [email protected] Web: www.sheepgenetics.org.au
Published by Meat & Livestock Australia Limited ABN 39 081 678 364 and Australian Wool Innovation Limited ABN 12 095 165 58. August 2013
ISBN: 9781741913354
Care is taken to ensure the accuracy and currency of this publication. However Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and Australian Wool
Innovation (AWI) do not guarantee accuracy or currency. This publication is only intended to provide general information. It is not intended to
be comprehensive. You should make your own enquiries before making decisions concerning your interests. MLA and AWI accept no liability for
any losses incurred if you rely on this publication.

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detailed in this publication.

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