The RamCompare mission is looking on all pedigree sire breeders to participate and nominate their rams to hitch the 2024 breeding season.
Now in its ninth yr, the nationwide progeny check, collectively funded by AHDB and Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC), is searching for rams or semen to be used.
Since its launch in 2015, it has examined 468 terminal sire rams, producing greater than 44,000 lambs from business ewes, mated utilizing synthetic insemination (AI) or pure service.
Outcomes from the mission allow farmers to pick out superior performance-recorded rams, whose progeny are better-able to fulfill market specs with improved effectivity, carcase worth, and a decreased value of manufacturing.
Bridget Lloyd, RamCompare mission coordinator, mentioned it was an incredible alternative for breeders to become involved.
She mentioned: “Utilizing their genetics inside the nationwide progeny check will present them with necessary information which can be utilized to advertise future ram gross sales.
“Enhancing effectivity and decreasing prices are key drivers for any enterprise. Investing in a recorded ram with the best genetic benefit may help meet each these aims.
“Nominating rams this season will give breeders a novel alternative to get forward on this necessary space of breed enchancment and present potential consumers how their rams may gain advantage their enterprise.”
Rams are chosen from a spread of terminal sire breeds and used on business farms throughout the UK yearly.
Progeny are monitored from delivery to slaughter the next yr, offering important information to Signet for breeding evaluations.
Judith Galbraith, proprietor of the Hampshire Down pedigree Graylen flock, added: “For business farmers, these are rams performing in business settings permitting them to see how excessive index rams really add worth.
“For us, as ram breeders, it’s about confirming what we’re breeding and choosing for will make an necessary distinction to our purchasers’ profitability and crucially, improves the accuracy of the knowledge we offer to them.
“In the event you haven’t been concerned earlier than, don’t miss the chance to appoint rams.”
The mission is searching for rams with Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) within the prime 20 % of the breed.
Pure service sires needs to be shearlings or inventory rams with a recognized, excessive well being standing.
Older inventory rams are welcome offering they’re match and fertile. RamCompare will even buy frozen semen in batches of 30 doses to be used through AI.
Nominations shut on 17 Might 2024.
