​Blaha Columbias & Hampshires

National Sheep Improvement Program  

                                   “NSIP’s business is calculating EBVs for sheep producers and breed associations and helping producers use those EBVs                                          to their best advantage. EBVs are statistically created based on generations of progeny performance for various traits.                                              EBVs are one of the most accurate tools to select for or against genetically superior or inferior sheep based on traits of                                              interest.”

                                   “Genetic evaluation of U.S. flocks will use breed specific genetic parameters and adjustment factors developed for                                                     each of the U.S. breeds.” (nsip.org)

 

"EBVs are science-based, industry-tested measurements of heritable traits that can be tracked and measured. For those familiar with Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) used in cattle, EBVs are very similar. EPDs denotes the breeding value of an individual animal’s progeny whereas EBVs denote the value of the individual animal."  "EBVs begin with on-farm production data but then convert it to actionable genetic information. Performance data is adjusted for variables that are not related to genetics, such as flock management techniques. And, EBVs are calculated on the performance of the individual animal, related animals in the same flock, and related animals in other flocks." (nsip.org)

 

"The Western Range Index (%) was developed by NSIP to improve profitability in Targhee range flocks and is generally applicable to extensively managed Western range flocks with positive emphasis on both lamb and wool production. EBVs for the Western Range Index are estimated from Post-weaning Weight, Maternal Weaning Weight, Yearling Weight, Yearling Fleece Weight, Yearling Fiber Diameter, and Number of Lambs. This index places major positive weight on early growth and ewe prolificacy and modest positive weight on increasing ewe maternal ability, increasing fleece weight, and reducing fiber diameter. Negative emphasis on yearling weight EBV is designed to limit increases in adult ewe weight but, because of the large positive correlation between Weaning Weight and Yearling Weight EBVs, is not expected to actually reduce yearling weights. Yearling Fleece Weight EBVs are expressed as percentages in NSIP/LAMBPLAN reports, but expressed in kilograms in deriving the Index. The Western Range Index was originally derived in $ but, in common with all LAMBPLAN indexes, is now expressed as a percentage of the mean. The Number of Lambs Born EBV is used in preference to the Number of Lambs Weaned EBV because of potential bias in Number of Lambs Weaned EBV from predation in Western range flocks." (NSIP EBV Notebook Sept. 2011)

 

Columbia NSIP averages for 60-day maternal milk is 61.8 lb, 120-day weaning weight is 105.8 lb, number of lambs born is 1.85, and wool micron is 25.5 (58 spin count). (Source: NSIP Columbia Notebook #6).