UK: Performance recording accelerating genetic progress and output in Welsh hill flock

Published 2023년 5월 26일

Tridge summary

The Williams family from Upper Wenallt farm in Wales has seen significant improvements in the genetic merit of their Welsh Mountain ewes since starting performance recording in 2010. This has led to increased milk production, early lamb growth rates, and overall flock profitability. They have achieved high Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) in key areas like milkiness and eight-week growth rate, with ewes showing top performance in these traits contributing to increased lamb weights and scan weights per ewe. The family's focus on performance recording and breeding decisions, aimed at maximizing flock performance while preserving type and correctness, has been key to their success. They sell their rams and ewes at various weight ranges and through the Prohill sale at Aberystwyth, with some direct sales. Their strategy of selecting rams with positive traits like maternal ability and muscle and fat depth has led to a solid average in ram sales and a flock that is easy finishing and efficient to maintain.
Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

Performance recording is accelerating genetic progress and output in a Welsh hill flock, with gains being made at the top end filtering through the entire flock of pedigree and commercial animals. Edward Williams and his parents, Glyn and Lynne, have made big strides in increasing the genetic merit of their ‘Wenallt’ Welsh Mountain ewes since they started recording in 2010. The pure-bred Welsh flock is now largely made up of ewes with an Estimated Breeding Value (EBV) in the top 25% for their breed on performance. Improvements in milk production and early lamb growth rates have led to an increase in eight-week weight - an early indicator of lamb performance linked to both lamb survival and eventual lamb sale weights. In the past seven years, there has been a 3.2kg increase in eight-week-old lamb weights, a 2.9mm increase in muscle depth at scanning and a 5.9kg increase in scanning weights. While there are often year on year fluctuations, as with any hill farm, the rolling averages ...
Source: FarmingUK

Would you like more in-depth insights?

Gain access to detailed market analysis tailored to your business needs.
By clicking “Accept Cookies,” I agree to provide cookies for statistical and personalized preference purposes. To learn more about our cookies, please read our Privacy Policy.