Terminal sires sought for 10th year of ram genetics project
© Tim Scrivener RamCompare is seeking rams or semen from performance-recorded, terminal sire breeds for the 2025 breeding season.
Since its launch in 2015, the national progeny test has assessed more than 500 rams from 17 breeds, with joint funding by the AHDB and Hybu Cig Cymru.
See also: How terminal sire stud is producing top 1% rams
“This is a great opportunity for breeders to get involved,” says RamCompare project co-ordinator Bridget Lloyd.
“Testing their ram’s genetics will provide them with important data, which can be used to promote future ram sales.”
Data collection
RamCompare, run by Signet Breeding Services, takes rams with estimated breeding values in the top 20% of their breed and tests them on commercial farms in the UK.
Data from progeny of these rams are collected from birth to slaughter.
The results are used to help flocks select high-performing sires that will produce lambs with lower-than-average production costs and more valuable carcasses.
“Practical demonstration of the benefits of breeding values to aid commercial ram selection is vital,” says Signet senior animal breeding manager Samuel Boon.
Samuel adds that Signet is set to release genomic breeding values for abattoir traits.
© Adobe Stock
How to take part
To take part, breeders are invited to nominate shearlings or stock rams with a known high-health status. Fit and fertile older stock rams are also welcome.
RamCompare also buys frozen semen in batches of 30 doses for use via artificial insemination.
Both ram and semen nominations close on 16 May. For more details, email Bridget@Bridget-Lloyd.com.