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AHDB to support CT scanning for 2023

AHDB are keen to support performance recording flocks based in England that wish to use SRUC’s CT scanning service.

AHDB will provide a support payment to SRUC of £55/lamb to support CT scanning services. Breeders can chose to take their lambs to Edinburgh or go to one of the mobile venues set up by SRUC. In 2023 AHDB are placing an additional criteria on breeders that wish to receive funding for CT scanning, which is that CT scanned lambs that are performance recorded with Signet must be genotyped (using a 50K genotype).

Reducing carbon emissions through breeding and genetics

This webinar series, in partnership with the British Society Animal Science (BSAS) and Teagasc (Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority) aims to share the most recent research findings investigating methods to reduce emissions from livestock agriculture and how we can apply this directly to farm. 

What’s New for 2023?

We recognise the importance of generating consistency in the monthly breeding values published by Signet.

While the ranking of animals will change as new data is added to the genetic evaluation, breeders generally wish to avoid changes that lead to their animals re-ranking - unless the index of their favourite ram goes up of course! However, as time moves on the team of geneticists at SRUC do make recommendations on ways to enhance our evaluations and if it is going to help breeders to make better breeding decisions, then we try to take their advice. 

Kelsey Trophy goes to Bridgehaugh flock

The Kelsey trophy is awarded to a Signet recorded Hampshire Down flock who has made the greatest genetic gain this year. This year it has been awarded to the Bridgehaugh flock, the flock has an impressive Terminal Sire index flock average of 287, putting the lambs within the top 5% of the breed.

Pictured is Graylen Officer who was the highest index ram in the breed at the premier sale in 2021 and was purchased by David for 4,600gns.

Catch up now on the latest webinar: Breeding sheep to reduce methane emissions

Catch up now on the recent webinar where Laura Eyles, Signet Breeding Services was joined by Dr Nóirín McHugh from Teagasc as she talks about projects in Ireland that have set out to measure methane emissions in Irish sheep flocks. She will explain why this work is important and what impact it is expected to have. Hear how selective breeding can be used to reduce methane emissions in the national flock and why genetic solutions are so important in enhancing this aspect of sheep production.

The role of Computed Technology when making breeding decisions,

Utilising technology to make informed breeding decisions and identify animals with superior muscle across the carcase can increase carcase yield and the profitability of sheep enterprises. Laura Eyles, Senior Signet Breeding Specialist, explains how levy funded research and investment in the late 1990’s has allowed this world leading technology to be used within our sheep industry.

New Weight Recording Initiative for Lincoln Red Breeders

The Lincoln Red Cattle Society have recently announced their intention to provide all their members with free access to Signet’s services. As part of this new initiative with Signet, the Lincoln Red Cattle Society will fund the recording costs of any paid up Society member; effectively removing the financial barrier that may have previously limited smaller herds from engaging in weight recording.

Webinar - Breeding sheep to reduce methane emissions

Join Dr Nóirín McHugh from Teagasc as she talks about projects in Ireland that have set out to measure methane emissions in Irish sheep flocks. Together with Samuel Boon from AHDB they will discuss how selective breeding can be used to reduce methane emissions in the national flock and why genetic solutions are so important in enhancing this aspect of sheep production.

Podcast - the role of CT scanning when making breeding decisions

In this episode of the Food & Farming podcast, our Signet Breeding Manager at AHDB, Samuel Boon, talks through the role of CT scanning when making breeding decisions, whilst Signet consultant Laura Eyles speaks to Kirsty McClean and John Gordon from SRUC to find out the how and the why.

Charollais Premier Sale July 2022 – Signet Performance Recorded ewes and Shearlings rams top the sale

Performance recorded ewes topped the female trade, a shearling ewe from the Cavick flock 21WVW01215 sold for 3800gns to the Ingram family. Other top p ...