Included in the calculation of EBVs are the animal’s own performance, the performance of known relatives, the heritability of each trait and the relationship between the different traits ie. a world class genetic evaluation model, combining all traits in one analysis.

All breeds of beef cattle in Australia use BREEDPLAN. For most, the BREEDPLAN genetic evaluation program has been integrated with the respective breed association’s pedigree system. Substantial genetic improvement for traits of commercial importance have been demonstrated within each breed.

A higher “Completeness of Performance” rating from Breedplan gives stud breeders more confidence in the selection of highly desirable traits. Stud stock purchasers can select animals with measurable traits generated by an independent program such, as low birth weights, high growth, high milk, from raw data recorded.

 The Blonde breed receives BREEDPLAN Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) for the following traits:

• Gestation length
• Birth weight
• 200, 400 and 600-day weight
• Mature cow weight
• 200-day milk
• Scrotal size
• Carcass weight
• Eye muscle area
• Rib fat
• Rump fat
• Retail beef yield
• Intra-muscular fat

Breedplan is also recording data for other traits such as: .

• Calving ease
• Docility scoring
• Flight time
• Net feed intake
• Structural scores
• Days to calving   

The raw data that members are sending in to Breedplan will help to build a database that can be used to calculate EBV's for those traits in the future. Seed stock producers are also able to submit DNA test results which may assist in the development of marker assisted EBV's.