The ABS GTS (Genetic Type Summary) program accurately and objectively describes physical trait differences for individual sires' progeny. By using the STAs (Standardized Transmitting Abilities) beef breeders can anticipate the type, or physical characteristics, that a bull will transmit to his offspring. STAs for each trait are calculated using herdmate comparisons on large numbers of a sire's progeny using a linear evaluation system.
These linear proofs are computed using statistical procedures similar to those used to calculate EPDs. STAs indicate how bulls compare for each trait included in the evaluation.
STAs also allow breeders to determine where a bull ranks within a given population for each trait. A bull with an STA of 0.0 is average for that trait, compared to all other bulls evaluated. For any given trait, the majority of STAs on all bulls evaluated will be near 0.0. In fact, approximately 68 percent of the sires' STAs should fall between -1.0 and +1.0 with over 99 percent between -3.0 and +3.0. Keep in mind that the population dealt with in these GTS analyses is not the entire breed but a relatively select group of animals that are predominately A.I. sired.
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Headquartered in DeForest, Wisconsin, ABS Global is the world-leading provider of bovine genetics, reproduction services and technologies. ABS has been at the forefront of animal genetics and technology since its founding in 1941. ABS Global is a division of Genus plc.