registered performance recorded
A new project that aims for genetic improvement in the sheep industry is looking for rams for artificial insemination (AI).
The team behind the RamCompare project is looking for eight rams for the AI section of the project: two Texel, two Charolais, two Suffolk, one Meatlinc and one Hampshire Down.
The RamCompare project was announced earlier this year, with the aim of driving genetic improvement forward through the inclusion of commercial data in genetic evaluations.
Eblex explained that many of the potential AI rams have been identified, and semen that has already been collected from widely used sires is being used where possible. However, some rams are being sent for semen collection.
Samuel Boon, Eblex breeding services manager, said: “This is an exciting phase of the RamCompare project, as we seek to find the rams that will start off the initiative.
“We have been in touch with all registered performance recorded breeders and are confident that the project will move forward with some of the best rams available involved.
”The next stage will be to purchase 24 rams for use by natural mating within the single-sire mating groups in the first year of the trial.