For farmers buying flock rams REVGAIN derives relative economic values for their individual commercial flock, and hence the sort of breeder from which to buy rams.
Using specific production levels, prices, and costs for the producers' or breeders' situation, together with the corresponding Animalplan phenotypic and genetic parameters, the software calculates relative economic values that will lead to maximum economic progress in the breeding goal. It also estimates the change in each character that will occur from a standard amount of index selection. By comparing different economic outcomes from changing product prices, physical inputs or genetic responses, users derive the policy that is most appropriate to their particular situation.
Keywords: NZSAPAB; Computer software; relative economic value, selection criteria; breeding objectives