Page 10 - Commercial Suffolks 2019
P. 10
Buying a recorded Suffolk
Why invest in Signet-recorded rams?
Investing in rams with superior genetics can be worth an extra £800 over their lifetime.
With potential gains of £4 per lamb, commercial producers should source Signet-re-
corded rams with high estimated breeding values (EBVs) for traits of importance to their
flock.
Interpreting EBVs when buying
a ram
EBVs can be presented on Order of Merit sale cards
that report the main traits, or on a breeding chart.
Accuracy values indicate how much is known about an
animal for a specific trait and the degree to which EBVs
might change over time. Seek the standard identifi-
ers (right) provide a quick and easy way to see where
an animal ranks on its index.
Breeding charts
Breeding charts are more informative, showing where a ram’s genetic potential sits
within the breed for a range of traits.
The centre line indicates the average for that breed. Bars to the right of the centre in-
dicate above-average breeding values, meaning progeny are likely to have faster growth
rates, more muscling and be fatter. Bars to the left indicate a below-average
value for those traits and leaner progeny.
