Dorset breeders complete pioneering work as new breeding values developed from abattoir data

Following in the footsteps of the RamCompare project, the Dorset Centurion group have looked at ways to use carcase records in their routine genetic evaluations. So far breeders have collated over four thousand carcase records (a growing dataset) and with support from AHDB/SRUC generated a series of new Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) for traits of high economic worth. EBVs for Days to Slaughter, Carcase Weight, Carcase Conformation and Carcase Fat Class are now reported as part of the Dorset Evaluation to aid ram buying decisions.

These findings also highlight the genetic relationships that exist between the traits that Dorset breeders are measure on their farms and those attributes assessed in the abattoir.

• Rams with high Scan Weight EBVs are having a significant impact on days to slaughter.
• Rams with superior Muscle Depth EBVs are leaving lambs with enhancing carcase conformation at the point of slaughter.
• Variation in a ram’s fat depth EBV will have a marked impact on the fat classification of their lambs.

Work as part of the RamCompare project has calculated the cost of keeping lambs on farm to easily be 15-20p/day, with a shift in lamb prices over the summer costing a similar amount. Using performance recorded rams increases lamb performance will reduce days on farm and enable producers to capitalise on genetic improvement.

This work clearly highlights the importance of using EBVs to make informed buying decisions, whether you are using the established breeding values or the new ones. The purchase of performance recorded stock can have a major impact on flock performance and ultimately farm revenue.