First package of British Texel semen sent to New Zealand

A Scottish breeder has sent what is believed to be the first consignment of British Texel semen to New Zealand.

Farmer Robert Laird, who runs the Cambwell flock in Lanarkshire, said the shipment resulted from an enquiry from former UK breeder Jim Sharatt, who is now farming in New Zealand.

The semen came from rams with leading performance figures which were chosen for a number of key traits.

Mr Laird said a number of New Zealand breeders believed the opening of the import market from the UK gave them an opportunity to source new genetics and potentially improve their flocks.

In addition to the requirement for high performance figures, all three rams had to be DNA tested for microphthalmia, footrot resilience, lamb survival and cold tolerance.

“As a result of all three rams passing these tests their progeny are able to be registered in the New Zealand Texel Society flock book and used in other pedigree flocks,” Mr Laird said.

British Texel Sheep Society chief executive John Yates said the export was another milestone in the breed’s history in the UK.