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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.

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 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.

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. 

Breed for CH4NGE: is a three-year initiative funded through DEFRA’s Farming Innovation Programme. The goal is to identify the best breeding strategie ...

Signet are pleased to announce that we have enhanced the genetic evaluation that we deliver to Sussex cattle breeders through the inclusion of 18,000 additional pedigree records which the Society has provided for cattle born since 2000.

SRUC research looking at accuracy values in the National Hill Sheep Breeding Evaluation has found a better way to account for the impact of genotyping on the accuracy values that are published for EBVs and Indexes.

Breed for CH4NGE: is a three-year initiative funded through DEFRA’s Farming Innovation Programme. The goal is to breed productive, efficient maternal sheep with a naturally low carbon footprint.

Computed Tomography (CT) scanning is a great tool for identifying superior genetics within terminal sire flocks.

CT provides a welfare friendly way of assessing the total muscle, fat and bone yield in a live sheep. This near perfect predictor of carcase composition can also be used to measure the muscling in different parts of the carcase, such as the rib, loin and gigot.

In 2023 AHDB launched the UK's first genomic breeding values for sheep as part of Signet's National Hill Sheep Evaluation.

This was a major milestone for livestock breeding and AHDB are now working collaboratively with a number of Breed Societies and Research Institutions to enable other breed types to embrace the genomic opportunity within their breeding programmes.