Estimated breeding values are used for selection of the best individuals for breeding purposes. EBV´s are calculated according to the BLUP-model (Best linear unbiased prediction), used for this purpose in different animal species. The calculation provides us with the best unbiased prediction of the animals genetic merits, i.e the indivials possible genetic contribution to the next generation of lambs.
This means we can select animals and differentiate between individuals based on genetics, without interference of environmental factors. We can also compare individuals for the same genetic values WITHIN the same breed, between farms and breeders and between years.
The Swedish EBV system make use of several different breeding values for characteristics related to the fertility and lamb meat production

• Lamb weight / Birth weight – direct / maternal
• Lamb weight / 60-days – direct / maternal
• Growth rate until slaughter
• Carcass conformation
• Fat class
• Fertility (ALF1/ first lambing and ALF 2 2nd - last lambing)

For Gotlands & Leicester we have EBV´s for pelt and wool characteristics
and for the wool breeds as Finnsheep we get it for wool quality parameters.
You will find more detailed information about the EBV´s system here later and also the basis for selection of rams to semen collection.