Where next for Terminal Sire Recording?

Samuel Boon, Signet Manager and EBLEX Breeding Specialist

Performance recording has been a great success......

High rates of genetic gain

for growth and carcase traits

Success

• Breeders are using EBVs to add value to ram sales

• Increase in demand for recorded rams

• Commercial understanding is increasing (but still a long way to go)

Number of flocks recording is limited and hence industry impact could be higher

Challenges

Breeding Values are getting bigger......Is it time to rebase?

Challenges

Breeders are looking for more regular BLUP information – 3 runs a year is limiting

More crossbred animals and crossbred flocks are looking for useful EBVs

Current BLUP solutions are limited

Commercial demand.......

At every sheep meeting I have spoken at for 15+ years someone has said “can we compare breeds”

Would an indirect “comparison” – if promoted sensibly - assist breeders (and breeds) of high genetic merit sheep?

Should Signet be helping the industry to find the sheep with the best genes – regardless of breed?.....

We have been here before.....

Current approach

1990 2013

Current approach

1990 2013

CharollaisSuffolkTexelMeatlinc

Across breed approach

1990 2013

CharollaisSuffolkTexelMeatlinc

Combined breed evaluationsWhat are other people doing?

££

UK Dairy Evaluations“Everyone in one pot”, but breeds

reported separately

LambplanCombined runs for

Merino + Rest

SILCentral Progeny Test

ICBFBeef in Ireland

Sheep Ireland(future?)

Starting with a simple approach – doesn’t preclude more advanced solutions in the future

Where will we get crossbred data?

• Existing members with crosses?

• New members with crosses?

• Other sources? Test flocks?

Advantages (potentially)

• More regular EBV updates– More efficient use of money to produce EBVs

• More accurate EBVs for crossbreds– Greater accuracy values for all

• Clearer message for commercial producers

• Even greater interest in top end genetics

Independence

• Within breed rankings remain

• EBVs across breeds– but breed specific indexes are possible

• Breed specific genetic group solutions

• For those not interested in other breeds– not really an issue– business as usual

Crossbreds - are they inevitable?

The introduction of Composites has not only lifted sheep performance by their own merit, it has also put a sharper focus on breeding and performance of purebred sheep

Mark Young, Heartland Sheep October 2013

Threat? Opportunity?

Summary

This is a major opportunity to improve the way we identify and promote terminal sires

with superior genes

Thank you