Crossbreeding and genetic potential realised at group meeting

AN informative talk at Ravenstonedale Discussion Group demonstrated that by using breed selection through the use of EBV's, crossbreeding and genetic improvements, flock performance could be improved.

Eblex's Sam Boon's talk on the commercial value of performance recording demonstrated that improvements could be made by the selection of traits to increase lambing percentage, ewe longevity, increase carcass weight, improve carcass quality and reduce days to slaughter.

He explained Estimated Breeding Values and the following traits; maternal, litter size, eight week weight, scan weight, muscle fat/depth were used to give the ram a terminal sire index.

The group had to choose rams with the best EBV's from a selection. Trial work showed that a benefit of £1 to £4 per lamb could be achieved by using rams with high EBV's.

EBV's are an important guide to genetic potential and have a real impact on a flock's financial performance, while crossbreeding results in hybrid vigour, with extra performance in reproduction, health and longevity.

The genetic future of sheep was also discussed, such as selecting genes like the myomax gene for double muscling and blood smapling to look at DNA.

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