What is Economically Relevant Trait, or ERT?

Darrh Bullock (University of Kentucky): Economically relevant traits, or ERTs, are what we refer to as the EPDs that directly impact profit or income, or, actually, output when we look at the particular trait. We have both ERTs, or economically relevant traits, and we also have the indicator traits. For example, calving ease direct would be an economically relevant trait, because if we can reduce calving difficulty, that's going to help us with our bottom line. Whereas birthweight is an indicator trait, it's an indicator of calving ease but we don't really get paid directly for birthweight. So, think of it in terms of traits that you can get paid for, or that may take money out of your pocket; that's what we refer to as an economically relevant trait.