Electronic data

The Signet Sheepbreeder service has the facility to accept data in an electronic format. Supplying data in this format enables results to be uploaded directly to the database, reducing operator error and enabling results to be processed faster.

This approach is particularly useful for larger flocks and those breeders with their own on-farm software.

The following files can be submitted to Signet

• Animal Records (to include details of new lambs)  - Template
• Lamb Weights  - Template
• Shearling Weights  - Template
• Ewe Weights  - Template
• Ewe Body Condition Score  - Template
• Census  - Template

File specification for sending sheep records to Signet in an electronic format (Version 15. 22nd December 2020)

1). Animal Records (to include new lambs) - Template

For data to be uploaded it needs to be supplied in the exact format shown below. There are over 30 fields in total, but only 10 are compulsory and many fields (such as ET recipient or Breed) will have a standard replicated entry.

These notes assume records will be sent using an Excel spreadsheet or csv file.

User notes:

• All sheep records must have a Flockbook number. We strongly recommend UK born animals born since 1^st January 2000 also have a UK Ministry Tag provided. 
• Sire and dam identities need to match Signet records exactly; extra or missing, spaces or dashes within ear number fields will cause records to be rejected.
• If you need to check the Signet recognised UK number or Flockbook Number for a sire or dam known to Signet, please check it using “Quick Search” on the Signet website 
• Flock Code – is the part of the Flockbook Number that indicates the holding. For animal “ABC:N0001” the Flock Code will be “ABC”.
• Sires and dams must be no more than 16 years older than their progeny
• Sires and dams must be at least 200 days older than their progeny
• Although Prefixes and Names of up to 50 characters can be used, long IDs should be avoided as they may create reporting problems
• Breed Name and Breed Code – use exact Signet recognised breed name. Breed code details attached
• Where a sire or dam is not known to Signet, the parent’s details should be supplied as a separate record. This approach allows multi-generational pedigrees to be uploaded.
• The Constituent Breed/Sixteenths of Breed column can be left blank and these will be assigned based on the parents breed make up. If Breed 16^ths are assigned, the four sixteenths of breed boxes must equal 16.

File specification for animal records

The list shows the exact field name to be used, followed by any notes relating to the expected content.

2). 8 Week Weight Records - Template

Signet asks clients to weigh lambs between 6 and 12 weeks of age to achieve an adjusted 8 week weight.

Clients can assign lambs to up to 9 different management groups (using values between 1 and 9) – where lambs have been reared under different conditions.

However – clients should not simply allocate lambs to different groups if they have been in different fields (but similar management) – as this splits the size of the contemporary groups being analysed and can reduce our ability to pick up true genetic variation amongst lambs that have been reared in different places, but under similar management.

User notes:

• All weight records must be reported against an animal identity. Flockbook numbers and UK ministry numbers need to match Signet records exactly – extra or missing spaces or dashes within the UK ear number field will cause records to be rejected.
• Weight should be measured in kilogrammes, ideally to the nearest 0.1kg
• Each animal weight record must be assigned to a management group.
• Only one weight record per animal can be uploaded.
• Lambs weighed under 42 days and after 84 days of age won't get an adjusted weight. Younger lambs will need to be reweighed. 

File specification for 8 week weight file

The list shows the exact field name to be used, followed by any notes relating to the expected content.

3. Shearling Weights - Template

Signet asks clients to weigh shearling ewes prior to mating. This pre-tupping weight is used to calculate Mature Size EBVs.

Any shearling ewes that have already lambed should be placed into a separate management group to those that have not.

4. Mature Ewe Weights - Template

Signet asks clients to weigh mature ewes prior to mating and at weaning. 

Any ewes that have been managed differently should be placed into separate management groups.

5. Ewe Body Condition Scores - Template

Where clients are Body Condition Scoring their flock, Signet asks that the data is provided for future research and analysis. Any ewes that have been managed differently should be placed into separate management groups.

6. Census (to change the status of animals and to retag animals) - Template

Signet enables clients to retag breeding stock – or to add UK numbers to animals already known with another ID in the Flockbook Number field.

This input can also be used to sell off large numbers of ewes that are no longer active in the flock. This is done by changing their status.