Both flocks are now performance recorded, the aim being to add some science to our selection process. The Lleyns are in the early stages of the Signet system and will be selected for the maternal index traits.
The Charollais flock has now been recorded for 11 years and a member of the Sire Reference Scheme (SRS) for 9 years. In this time we feel we have made considerable progress in selection for the traits we feel are the most important. All this has been done along with keeping our type of sheep, correct, well fleshed with balance and style.
Our policy in selection is to put major emphasis on Estimated Breeding Values (EBV's) for growth and muscle. The aim being to increase these each year while maintaining the same level of fat cover. The results of this policy have seen our flock consistantly produce some of the highest rated sheep in the breed for growth.
This graph shows the progress with have made with our EBV's since we joined the scheme in 1996.
Lamb genetic trend continues upwards within the Dalby flock. The average index for the 2007 lamb crop now stands at 325.
It is very pleasing that two Dalby bred rams PE 6077 - Dalby Galactico and PE 5178 - Dalby Ferrari are now the two highest rated stock rams for growth EBV, being 12.78 and 12.58 respectively. Both are sons of our senior stock ram Dalby D'Artagnan - PE 3103.
