ANGUS Australia has launched a Temperament EBV as part of Angus GenetiQ, the Society’s next-generation genetic evaluation platform.

As part of the ongoing expansion of Angus GenetiQ traits throughout 2026, temperament is the latest trait to be released, joining the suite of EBVs and RBVs already published through the platform.

The existing suite of Angus GenetiQ EBVs includes Gestation Length, Birth Weight, Weaning Weight, Yearling Weight, Final Weight, Mature Weight, Mature Body Condition, Mature Cow Height, Maternal Value, Scrotal Circumference, Carcase Weight, Carcase EMA, P8 Fat and Marbling.

Understanding the Temperament EBV

Temperament EBVs are estimates of genetic differences between animals in temperament.

The trait is calculated from a subjective assessment of temperament when animals are aged from 60 to 400 days.

Higher Temperament EBVs indicate an animal is expected to produce a higher proportion of progeny with acceptable temperament.

As with all EBVs, the Temperament EBV should be used alongside visual assessment and other selection criteria, rather than in isolation, and is most powerfully applied by comparing animals to the relevant breed average or percentile bands, Angus Australia says.

The figure below shows the distribution of Temperament EBVs for 2024-drop Angus animals. The broad spread of EBVs demonstrates the genetic variation within the breed, providing opportunities for breeders to make genetic improvement through selection for temperament.

Distribution of Temperament EBVs for 2024-drop Angus animals.

The figure below illustrates the genetic trend for Temperament over time. The trend demonstrates the genetic change that has occurred within the Angus population and provides an indication of the opportunity for continued improvement through selection.

Genetic trend for Temperament EBVs by birth year.

Comparisons across systems

A Docility EBV is also published through TACE. While both traits describe genetic differences in temperament, Angus GenetiQ and TACE are separate genetic evaluation systems, built on different models and analytical methods.

Angus GenetiQ temperament EBVs should not be directly compared to TACE Docility EBVs.

Background on Angus GenetiQ

Angus GenetiQ is Angus Australia’s next-generation genetic evaluation system, providing breed-specific Estimated Breeding Values for all registered Angus animals. Developed internally over four years, it combines pedigree, performance, and genomic information to deliver faster evaluations, more frequent updates, and improved integration of research into practical breeding values.

The system also underpins commercial genomic tools, HeiferSELECT and SteerSELECT, ensuring alignment between seedstock and commercial applications.

By combining accuracy, speed, and research integration, Angus GenetiQ provides breeders with a robust, future-ready platform to support informed selection and ongoing genetic improvement.

Source: Angus Australia