Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) has produced a guide explaining the use of Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) to help sheep producers enhance their tup selection.
The guide – Using EBVs as a Tool to Breed Better Sheep – offers step-by-step guidance to those interested in improving the performance of their flocks.
The booklet includes advice on how to interpret the EBV data presented at sales as well as the key EBV traits that are significant to different types of sheep production.
According to QMS, EBV recorded tups have proven a wise investment due to their lambs growing faster and making more profit, increasing overall efficiency for commercial farmers.
Using EBVs and performance recorded tups has been found to improve not only profitability but also flock performance.
Robbie and Barbara Milne, commercial sheep farmers of North Bethelnie Farm, near Oldmeldrum, have been using terminal EBV recorded tups for the past eight years.
As a result, they have saved both grass and money due to their lambs gaining weight at a faster pace.
“We generally lamb in April and manage to get the majority of our lambs away in July and August,” said Mrs Milne.
“Since we started using EBVs and recorded tups, our grading sheets have never been so good.”
Pedigree tup breeders Gregor and Bruce Ingram, of Logie Durno Farm, near Inverurie, agree.
Gregor said: “There is no question in my mind that EBVs are the future for Scottish sheep farmers.
“Commercial farmers who use terminal EBV recorded tups have lambs that grow faster and make more profit per acre, which will increase efficiency over the entire enterprise.”
In addition to the booklet, QMS has produced a series of short videos presenting farmers’ views on the benefits of using EBVs.
To obtain a free copy of the guide visit www.qmscotland.co.uk or call 0131 472 4040.
