PREMIER SUFFOLK BREEDERS

SUPPLYING HIGH QUALITY RAMS, EWES, SEMEN AND EMBRYOS FROM PROGENY-TESTED, SCRAPIE RESISTANT PERFORMANCE-RECORDED PEDIGREE SUFFOLKS

Farm trials have shown that using higher index sires can provide increased returns ranging from £2.68 to £2.86 per lamb. For a 240-ewe flock, this is worth more than £1000 per annum.

The aim of recording is to work out how much of each animal's performance is due to its genes and how much is because of the environment so animals that are genetically superior for traits such as growth and muscle can be identified.

Selecting a ram need not be a lottery. Expertise now exists to measure a number of economically important traits. These predict the potential superiority - or inferiority of stock. These measurements are called Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) which can be combined to create a breeding index. Seven Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) are calculated for each animal. They provide a measure of the genetic merit of the animal, half of which will be passed on to its lambs.

  • 8 week weight - measured in kg
  • Scan weight (20/21 week) - measured in kgs at the same time as scanning for muscle and fat depth
  • Muscle depth - measured in mm by ultrasonic scanning at 20/21 weeks
  • Fat depth - measured in mm by ultrasonic scanning at 20/21 weeks
  • Mature size - pre-tupping gimmer weight (kg)
  • Litter size - number of lambs born
  • Maternal ability - kg of lambs reared

For across-flock analyses EBVs of all animals can be compared. The EBVs of animals in different breeds cannot be compared.

RAM BUYING TOP TIPS

  • Decide on the breeding targets for your flock. What will make the most money? ~ Fast growth rates? ~ Better muscled lambs? ~ Heavier carcases? ~ Leaner lambs?
  • Discuss your breeding targets with one of our members, who will help you select rams with the right EBVs FOR YOU.
  • Obtain a breed benchmark to compare the rams you view against the rest of the breed.
  • BUY EARLY - to choose from the best selection of recorded rams with the EBVs that YOU WANT.
  • Invest in the best - the difference between an average recorded ram and one with high EBVs could be worth £600 over its lifetime.
  • Look after the health and nutritional requirements of your ram to ensure it has a long and productive life.