Scottish sheep strategy: phase II

Trials on three farms were completed over two years.

Gross returns per lamb from High Index sires in comparison to Farm Choice sires

Planned activity:

EBLEX staff supported QMS with a press launch. Widespread coverage was achieved in the farming press.

The Problem:

Low levels of uptake of performance recording and performance recorded stock in pedigree and commercial sectors respectively

Project Aims:

To demonstrate the benefits of high genetic merit breeding sheep within the context of ordinary commercial flocks

Approach:

High and low genetic merit rams to be used in three commercial ewe flocks over two seasons and the results of finished lambs compared.  The third year of the trial is optional for one farm and, if taken up, will examine the maternal performance of the females bred in Year 1.