Buying a Recorded Beltex
Why invest in Signet recorded rams?
Investing in rams with superior genetics can be worth an extra £800 over their lifetime.
With potential gains of £4 per lamb, commercial producers should source Signet recorded rams with high estimated breeding values (EBVs) for traits of importance to their flock.
Breed Benchmark 2020
To check where a ram sits within the breed, get hold of a benchmark and compare it's EBVs against the average, Top 25% and Top 10% values for the breed. Signet clients can download this information here.
| Estimated Breeding Value | Average | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| 8 week weight | 0.78 | 1.48 | 2.1 |
| Litter size | 0.02 | 0.05 | 0.08 |
| Maternal ability | -0.02 | 0.19 | 0.38 |
| Scan weight | 2.01 | 3.81 | 5.43 |
| Muscle depth* | 0.21 | 0.71 | 1.16 |
| Fat depth* | -0.03 | 0.16 | 0.33 |
| CT Lean weight* | 0.02 | 0.24 | 0.44 |
| CT Fat weight* | -0.06 | 0.12 | 0.29 |
| CT Gigot | 0.06 | 0.58 | 1.05 |
| Terminal sire index | 140 | 178 | 212 |
| Maternal index | 136 | 163 | 188 |
Interpreting EBVs when buying a ram
EBVs can be presented on sale cards that report the main traits, or on a breeding chart. Accuracy values indicate how much is known about an animal for a specific trait and the degree to which EBVs might change over time.
Breeding charts
Breeding charts are more informative, showing where a ram’s genetic potential sits within the breed for a range of traits. The centre line indicates the average for that breed. Bars to the right of the centre indicate above-average breeding values, meaning progeny are likely to have faster growth rates, more muscling and be fatter. Bars to the left indicate a below-average value for those traits and leaner progeny.about an animal for a specific trait and the degree to which EBVs might change over time.
Sale charts for animals can be viewed and printed. Access via the ‘EBV Search’ section of the Signet website www.signetdata.com
For more information about buying Signet recorded rams, click here