Breeding Profitable Replacements

摘要

Sheep producers who keep their own female replacements should use EBVs (Estimated Breeding Values) when selecting stock rams in order to maximise the performance of their flock, according to advice from Signet Breeding Services, a division of EBLEX. The economic performance of most lowland flocks hinges on the number of lambs successfully reared per ewe - a function influenced by the genetic potential of the breeding ewe. While a visual inspection of a ram is important for assessing his structural soundness, a ram's appearance tells you little about his genes for maternal performance or how his daughters will perform.