27 April 2025

Summary

In this video, Sam Gil, manager of sheep genetics, discusses the importance of selecting the right rams for various market targets, such as the heavy export and light trade markets. He emphasizes the use of genetic tools, like Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBVs), to optimize lamb production and improve traits like growth, fat, and muscle. The script also highlights the significance of feed base, ram selection criteria, and ram health before joining. The aim is to ensure healthy, productive rams for successful breeding, ultimately enhancing the efficiency of the sheep industry.

Takeaways

• 😀 Choose the right rams based on your target market: heavy export (22-30 kg carcass) or light trade (18-22 kg carcass).
• 😀 Match rams to the feed base: good pasture or lower nutrition levels affect ram selection.
• 😀 Select rams that complement the ewe base: smaller, leaner Merino-type ewes or larger, fatter British breed cross ewes.
• 😀 Some farmers assess rams visually first, checking for basic traits like teeth, feet, and structural soundness.
• 😀 Sheep genetics account for about 30% of differences in traits, with 70% influenced by feed.
• 😀 Use Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBVs) to optimize lamb turnover and manage breeding decisions.
• 😀 Fat breeding values are important for determining when rams finish—positive fat values help target the light trade market, while negative values suit the export market.
• 😀 Post-weaning eye muscle depth is crucial for increasing meat yield and improving feed efficiency in lambs.
• 😀 Birth weight should be managed to reduce the risk of dystocia, with a target ASBV range of 0 to 0.5 for safety.
• 😀 Lower worm egg counts in rams reduce the risk of worm burdens and improve lamb dressing percentages.
• 😀 Prior to joining, ensure rams are checked for soundness, are in good condition (ideally condition score 3.5 or higher), and are acclimatized to the property.

Q & A

What are the two key markets mentioned in the script for terminal size selection in sheep?

The two key markets are the heavy export market and the light trade market. The heavy export market targets lambs with a carcass weight of 22-30 kg, while the light trade market targets lambs with a carcass weight of 18-22 kg.

What is the importance of selecting rams that match the feed base?

Selecting rams that match the feed base is essential to ensure the lambs are able to grow and finish within the desired weight range. Rams should be chosen based on whether the property has good green pastures or lower levels of nutrition.

How does the ewe base influence ram selection?

The ewe base influences ram selection as it determines whether the rams will be joined to smaller, leaner wool-type ewes or larger, fatter British breed first-cross ewes. Rams should complement the ewe base to ensure optimal lamb production.

What are some visual traits to assess when selecting rams?

When selecting rams visually, key traits to assess include their teeth, feet, testicles, overall structural soundness, and whether they are fit for purpose.

What is the role of the Australian Sheep Breeding Value (ASBV) in ram selection?

The ASBV helps to select rams based on measurable genetic traits, optimizing key characteristics such as growth, fat, muscle, and efficiency. ASBVs allow breeders to predict the genetic potential of the rams and make informed decisions for breeding.

How does fat breeding value affect lamb production?

Fat breeding value determines when lambs will finish. Rams with higher fat breeding values will finish earlier and are suitable for the light trade market, while those with lower (negative) fat breeding values will finish later, targeting the export market with larger, leaner lambs.

What is the significance of post-weaning eye muscle depth in ram selection?

Post-weaning eye muscle depth indicates the muscularity of a ram, which directly impacts the retail yield. Rams with greater muscularity result in more meat and less bone, improving feed efficiency and ensuring that lambs reach target weights using less feed.

Why is birth weight an important factor in ram selection?

Birth weight is important because it helps reduce the risk of dystocia (difficult births) in ewes. Keeping birth weight within a safe range (e.g., 0 to 5 kg) minimizes complications during lambing.

How does worm egg count (WEC) influence sheep breeding?

A lower worm egg count (WEC) reduces the risk of worm burdens in sheep, which improves lamb dressing percentages. Rams with lower WEC contribute to healthier sheep with fewer parasites, leading to better overall production outcomes.

What are the recommended practices for ram management before joining?

Before joining, rams should be checked 8 weeks prior to ensure they are healthy and fit for purpose. Practices include shearing, vaccinating, checking for structural soundness, and ensuring they are in good condition (condition score 3.5 or higher). If needed, rams should be fed for a month and a half to improve nutrition before joining.