Sires much the same

Press, 8 November 1978, Page 28

Sires much the same

Research in recent years has shown little difference between the common breeds of sires used for export lamb production. There are, in fact, greater differences within individual breeds than between breeds. This point was reiterated last week when Poll Dorset breeders visited the Templeton Research Station. Mr. K. G. Geenty, an animal scientist, produced figures showing that of the factors affecting gross returns, sire breeds accounted for only 6 per cent and ewe breeds for only 11 per cent. Seasonal factors, including varying export schedules, were the biggest factor, at 42 per cent, followed by slaughtering age, 25 per cent. In remarking that there were greater difference within breeds than between breeds, Mr Geenty said the situation came down to one of ram selection. It also depended on what type of lamb one was aiming to produce. Ram selection, Mr Geen ty considers, is an area needing more attention, and he referred to two typical situations: if one selected on weaning weight that might, simply reflect the ability of the ewe. If a ram lamb was a big single, he had probably had an advantage over a set of twins.