Publication of Leg Angle EBVs

Leg Angle EBVs will now be published for Angus animals recorded with Angus Australia, complementing the existing Claw Set and Foot Angle EBVs. Leg Angle EBVs (Leg) are estimates of genetic differences in rear leg structure when viewed from the side. Leg Angle EBVs are calculated from a subjective assessment of rear leg structure when viewed from the side (angle at the front of the hock), and are expressed in score units. Lower Leg Angle EBVs indicate an animal is expected to produce progeny with, on average, a lower score for leg angle (i.e. straighter angle through the hock joint). Leg Angle EBVs are calculated using a similar analytical model to the model used for Claw Set and Foot Angle, including: · a single trait, linear model · facility to incorporate breeder assessed scores, along with scores collected by an accredited assessor

· facility to incorporate multiple scores per animal · facility to incorporate scores on both yearling animals and mature females · facility to incorporate genomic information into the calculation of EBVs · facility to only incorporate scores of 5 – 9 in the calculation of EBVs In contrast to the Claw Set and Foot Angle EBVs, scores are only included in the calculation of Leg Angle EBVs for animals recorded with Angus Australia. Leg Angle EBVs are not published for animals recorded with the American or Canadian Angus Associations.

Leg Angle EBVs will now be published for Angus animals recorded with Angus Australia

Figure 5 - Leg Angle EBVs are estimates of genetic differences in rear leg structure when viewed from the side. Figure 6 - Leg Angle EBV distribution for sires with 5 or more progeny scored for leg angle.