Page 17 - Yearbook 2019

Signet
For more information on performance recording your
Suffolk flock or applying for Welsh funding please contact
Emma Steele at emma.steele@ahdb.org.uk
will be set to 2010 meaning figures will For Suffolks, this will mean changes to Suffolk flock was later transferred to
be reported back to the average animal in the way the terminal index is presented. Aberystwyth University creating a financial
Signet’s new genetic analysis 2010 which will have an EBV of 0 or an Rather than being presented in pounds legacy.
and pence as is currently e.g. terminal
From Autumn 2018, eligible breeders that
index of 100.
The re-based figures will now mean a
scan weight EBV of +4kg means that the index £5.73, the index will be presented wish to performance record with Signet
numerically in the same format as the
Breeding Services will be able to claim
animal is 4kg heavier at scanning than the maternal index (see benchmark). This is 50% funding for recording costs associated
The National Terminal Sire Evaluation average animal in 2010. consistent with other breeds. with weight recording and data analysis,
Re-basing is an inevitable part of genetic ultrasound scanning and CT scanning (over
n 2019, Signet will relaunch the genetic finish, rather than age, this will give a more • Spine length (thoracic, lumbar and total) evaluations and is crucial to keep the figures Benchmark and above support already provided by HCC).
evaluation service provided for terminal commercial focus to carcase EBVs. • Intramuscular fat percentage (IMF%) tangible. It also means that unknown The new Suffolk benchmark can be seen Breeders must have a Welsh postcode, be
Isire breeds. Other new traits will include: animals/flocks will not start with EBVs as in the table, new traits are included on a registered with the Suffolk Sheep Society,
The new service will deliver AHDB-funded New traits • Birth weight drastically low as they have previously. more detailed benchmark upon request. and own at least 25 ewes producing pure-
research through a multi-breed evaluation, A new analysis gives the perfect • Lambing ease bred lambs in the flock, although this can
58
including new estimated breeding values opportunity to introduce new traits. From • Litter size reared 33.3 New Indexes Welsh Suffolk funding be negotiated.
(EBVs) and a major change to existing past and present CT images, we have been Included breeds will now receive two Welsh pedigree Suffolk sheep breeders
traits, expressing breeding values on a more able to calculate EBVs for: Re-basing indexes can now apply for a share of funding to How can I get involved?
commercially focused, weight-adjusted • CT Eye muscle area In 2019 all EBVs and Indexes will be re- • Terminal sire index – optimising growth, boost the genetics of their flocks. 2019 will prove to be the most exciting
basis. • Vertebrae number (thoracic, lumbar and based. Currently figures are shown relative muscle depth and CT lean weight whilst BRIDFA was a group-breeding in Signets history with changes enhancing
This exciting new approach will result total) to the average animal in 1990. The re-base holding the current levels of finish programme established in 1990 by a group the service we can provide to performance
in some of the biggest changes to Signet • Maternal index – optimising prolificacy, of progressive Suffolk breeders to advance recording clients. With change comes
Top
Top
analyses in the last 20 years, with all Suffolk Bottom Bottom Bottom Average 25% 10% Top maternal ability and early growth rate genetic gain within their flocks. The BRIDFA opportunity, and hence there has never
10%
5%
5%
25%
breeding values being re-based for the first without increasing mature size or having flock ran successfully for many years and been a better opportunity to get involved
time since 1990. Maternal Ability EBV -0.58 -0.39 -0.07 0.28 0.63 0.95 1.14 a detrimental effect on muscling or lamb helped to raise the profile of performance with the most proven method of improving
Litter Size Born EBV -0.06 -0.04 -0.01 0.02 0.05 0.08 0.10 finish. recording. The ownership of the BRIDFA flock genetics.
What does this mean for Suffolk Eight Week Weight EBV -1.17 -0.80 -0.18 0.52 1.22 1.84 2.21
breeders? Scan Weight EBV -2.81 -1.89 -0.36 1.34 3.04 4.57 5.49
Updated EBVs Muscle Depth EBV -1.23 -0.93 -0.43 0.12 0.67 1.17 1.47 D & C Fawcett Ltd
The biggest change within the new Fat Depth EBV -0.40 -0.31 -0.16 0.01 0.18 0.33 0.42 Drumlie House, Newbiggin, Stainton, Penrith, Cumbria CA11 0GN
Lean Weight EBV
0.44
-0.11
0.54
-0.28
0.08
-0.38
0.27
analysis will be to move all carcase traits Fat Weight EBV -0.32 -0.25 -0.13 0.01 0.15 0.27 0.34
from being age adjusted (current method) Sheep Breeding Services
to weight adjusted. This means the updated Gigot Muscularity EBV -1.06 -0.80 -0.37 0.11 0.59 1.02 1.28
EBVs will be a better prediction of carcase Mature Size EBV (Shearling Weight) -2.82 -1.98 -0.56 1.01 2.58 4.00 4.84 Artificial Insemination
composition (muscling/fatness) at a fixed FEC EBV 0.10 0.08 0.04 0.00 -0.04 -0.08 -0.10 Embryo Recovery & Transfer
weight. As lambs are selected for slaughter Terminal Sire Index 24 48 89 133 178 219 243
based on a combination of weight and Maternal Index 50 68 98 132 165 196 214 Semen Freezing
Semen & Embryo Storage
Cervical AI Training

See our full range of Suffolk Office: 01768 890935 Fax: 01768254015

merchandise at the Society website: Ram shed: 01768 840901

www.suffolksheep.org
www.Sheepbreeding.co.uk

16 Suffolk Sheep Society Yearbook 2019 Suffolk Sheep Society Yearbook 2019 17