Ram selection important for flock improvement

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 1, Issue 33, 7 February 1984, Page 11

Ram selection important for flock improvement

The importance of ram selection shouldn't be underestimated. Almost all genetic gain in a sheep flock is made from the rams'contribution. If improvements in lambing percentage, weaning weight of lambs and fleece weight are to be made, farmers need to be presented with measured information on the rams they are selecting from. Unfortunately there are still a lot of rams sold which have little or no productive records available for the ram buyer to.view. Wool It is common practice for a group of rams to be put in front of the agent and client for the "selection" process to begin. Most rams discarded are done so on wool style, and rightly so, as that is the only information the agent and client have to work with so far. But the relative economic value of the wool quality characteristics such as fibre length. diameter, bulk. colour. medullation and vegetable matter hasn't been clarified. Selection for or against these characteristics could alter price per kg at most a tew cents. However, fleece weight is economically important and it is a waste of time trying to assess fleece weight other than by weighing the fleece. Not onlv should individual ram fleece weights be available but the average fleece weight for the group ; should be noted. This gives an indication of how good s an individual is compared to [ the rest. Fertility There is no way by ! looking at a ram you will ' know its fertility background. Records are re- : quired.

Often available is information that the ram is either a 'single' or a 'twin'. To have some sort of accuracy in the fertility assessment, the lambing history of the ram also needs to be considered. Other than two-tooths, stud ewes will all have at least two lambing records. Weaning Weight Weaning weight of lambs gives a good indication of the ewes ability to rear good lambs, an important characteristic in any flock in this area where climatic conditions from lambing to weaning can be so severe. With the meat industry demanding heavier, leaner lambs, farmers are conscious of weaning lambs at heavier weights so target slaughter weights can be met. Comparing weaning weight between rams needs adjustments to be made for date of birth, whether born a twin or single and whether it was reared as a twin or a single. Again records will need to be consulted at ram selection if progress in weaning weight is to be made. Summary Information on rams for wool weight, fertility and weaning weight is important economically to the commercial farmer. The recording scheme 'Sheeplan' presents this information clearly and precisely. Some stud breeders have developed their own recording schemes which will provide similar information.

It is my opinion that records aren't used enough in ram selection. Sometimes rams presented to clients may not have production information recorded and the buyer doesn't press for only recorded rams to be presented. Often this is because agents and clients don't know how to interpret the recording schemes. There is nothing that can be done about the lack of ram records except by refusing to buy unrecorded rams because you're taking part in a lottery if you do. However, if farmers require assistance in interpreting records I'm sure the stud breeder will take time to explain the system, or in the case of Sheeplan contact your M.A.F. Advisor.

Will

Wilson

Farm Advisor y Officer