News

Signet are planning to update the breeding indexes we use in our genetic evaluation of terminal sire breeds. This AHDB funded research will be delivered by AGBU, the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit, University of New England, Australia. Research fellow Gus Rose will lead the work, supported by an internationally recognised team.

As part of this work, Gus is heading to the UK to talk to Signet clients about the ways they use the service and what their clients require. To support this engagement a series of meetings are being organised in the lead up to the Sheep Breeders Roundtable in November. It would be great if you could join us.

In 2019 Signet changed the way in which we analysed the ultrasound muscle and fat depth data that we collect from sheep. Initially, we used to assess data on an age adjusted basis, whereas we now use weight adjusted data – which provides a better indication of the amount of muscle/fat in the carcase at a standard slaughter weight.

Over the last 8 years AHDB have collected a wealth of abattoir data through RamCompare, with over 50,000 abattoir records supplied for lambs produced as part of this progeny test. For 12 months, breeding values for abattoir traits have been produced as a sub-set of information which has sat alongside existing traits like Scan Weight and Muscle Depth on the Signet website. However, new research by Samir id-Lahoucine at SRUC will now be used to help us make better use of this information.

In 2022 AHDB launched the UK’s first genomic breeding values for sheep, as part of Signet’s hill sheep breeding program. Shortly after their release we were approached by several Breed Societies looking to share genomic information with AHDB for sheep bred in pedigree flocks if we could work with them to add value to these genotypes. Initial research from this work will be released at stakeholder meetings in the coming month.

While EBVs identify animals that excel in individual traits, they can be combined into breeding indexes using economic weightings to meet a broader breeding objective. Providing breeders with the information to be able to rank and compare animals. This page summarises the breeding indexes Signet currently publishes. 

Now only five weeks away we urge you to book your tickets for the 2024 Sheep Breeders Round Table (SBRT) conference, located at the Radisson Blu Hotel East Midlands, Derby. The online ticket platform closes on Sunday 10^th November, please book now to secure your reservation.

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