Estimated Transmitting Ability (ETA) is the basis for screening young bucks in the ADGA-Sire Development Program (SDP). They are estimates of a young buck's genetic transmitting ability before he has daughters that are of an age to contribute information regarding yield and type. ETAs are based on the
PTIs of the sire and dam (or dam's sire) which are in turn based on USDA
PTA calculations for yield and type traits.
ETAs can be calculated for planned breedings and young stock with no evaluation history as long as the needed
PTI values are present.