New developments in beef cattle genetic evaluation in Australia

Genetic evaluation of beef cattle in Australia uses a flexible and evolving system based on best linear unbiased prediction. Estimated breeding values (EBV) are computed from multiple trait animal models. A comprehensive description of the traits, methods and models used can be found in Graser et al. (2005). The genetic evaluation system known as BREEDPLAN was first released in Australia in 1984 and is currently used to evaluate 27 breeds within Australia (including 9 breeds with combined data with New Zealand) and breeds from 9 other overseas countries. The BREEDPLAN analytical software, and its associated systems (e.g. BreedObject), have been developed by the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit (AGBU) primarily funded through a series of research grants by Meat and Livestock Australia. The BREEDPLAN analytical software is licensed to the Agricultural Business Research Institute (ABRI) and they provide genetic evaluation services to a large number of clients. The software uses pedigree and performance data recorded predominantly by seedstock breeders. These data are commonly channeled through a number of Breed Societies to the databases of the National Beef Recording Scheme at ABRI.