Estimated sheep breeding values 101 (MLA feedbackTV)

Summary

In this video, Sam Gil, manager of Sheep Genetics, discusses key aspects of terminal sire selection for the sheep industry. The focus is on choosing Rams that meet the needs of specific markets, such as heavy export or light trade, based on traits like carcass weight, fat, muscle depth, and feed efficiency. He emphasizes using breeding values (ASBVs) for optimizing lamb growth, and highlights practical steps such as assessing Rams' physical condition, birth weight, and worm egg counts. Proper care and management of Rams before joining are also crucial for successful breeding outcomes.

Takeaways

• 😀 Choose the right rams for your target market, feed base, and ewe base to ensure optimal production.
• 😀 Identify the two key markets: heavy export (22-30 kg carcass weight) and light trade (18-22 kg carcass weight).
• 😀 Select rams based on the feed base, such as good green pastures or lower nutrition levels, to match production goals.
• 😀 Consider the type of ewe base (small leaner Marino or larger British cross) when selecting rams for breeding.
• 😀 Aim for optimal ram characteristics by assessing their structure, including teeth, feet, and testicles, and ensuring they are fit for purpose.
• 😀 Use genetic tools like ASBV (Australian Sheep Breeding Values) to make data-driven selections for traits such as growth, fat, and muscle.
• 😀 Focus on growth traits, such as post-weaning weight, to ensure lambs are turned off between 4 to 8 months of age.
• 😀 Fat breeding values determine the optimal finish time for rams: higher fat values mean earlier finishing for the light trade, while lower fat values suit export markets.
• 😀 Assess post-weaning eye muscle depth to measure muscularity and improve the retail yield by producing more meat and less bone.
• 😀 Reduce the risk of dystocia by selecting for appropriate birth weight ASBVs (0 to 0.5) and minimize worm burdens with lower worm egg counts (WECs).
• 😀 Before joining, ensure rams are in good condition, vaccinated, and have time to acclimatize to your property, with proper nutrition if needed.

Q & A

What is the primary goal of terminal sire selection in sheep breeding?

The primary goal of terminal sire selection is to pick the right rams that will produce lambs suitable for the target market, whether that is the heavy export market or the light trade market, while ensuring they match the feed base and ewe base.

What are the target carcass weight ranges for the two key markets?

For the heavy export market, the target carcass weight is 22 to 30 kilos, while for the light trade market, which includes supermarkets and restaurants, the target is 18 to 22 kilos.

How do feed base conditions influence terminal sire selection?

The feed base, whether good green pastures or lower levels of nutrition, plays a crucial role in selecting rams. Rams need to be chosen based on their ability to perform well under the given feed conditions.

What are the key factors to consider when choosing rams for terminal sire selection?

Key factors include the target market, feed base, and ewe base. Additionally, structural soundness, genetic traits, and the rams' ability to meet the desired production goals such as growth, fat, and muscle are also important.

What is the significance of the Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBV) in sheep selection?

The ASBV is used to assess the genetic potential of rams, helping breeders select animals that will optimize the traits needed for the target market. It includes traits like post-weaning weight, fat breeding values, and muscle depth, which are key to improving performance.

How does post-weaning weight impact lamb production?

Post-weaning weight breeding values help optimize the timing of turning off lambs, aiming to finish them between 4 to 8 months of age. This ensures that lambs are turned off efficiently and are not kept on the property for too long.

What role do fat breeding values play in terminal sire selection?

Fat breeding values help determine the finishing time of the lambs. Rams with higher fat breeding values will finish earlier and are suitable for the light trade market, while leaner rams with negative fat breeding values are better suited for the export market.

Why is post-weaning eye muscle depth important?

Post-weaning eye muscle depth is crucial as it relates to the muscularity of the sheep. More muscular animals have better retail yield, with more meat and less bone, and they also have improved feed efficiency, requiring less feed to reach target weights.

What is the recommended range for birth weight ASBVs?

A birth weight ASBV range of 0 to 0.5 is generally considered ideal to reduce the risk of dystocia (difficult lambing) in ewes, ensuring lambs are not too heavy at birth.

How does reducing worm egg counts (WEC) benefit lamb production?

Lower worm egg counts (WEC) result in reduced worm burdens in sheep, which can lead to improved health and a better dressing percentage at slaughter. This improves the overall meat yield and profitability of the lambs.