Nominations open for RamCompare ahead of new development

Calling all pedigree terminal sire breeders! Nominations are now open to join RamCompare for the 2023 breeding season. The national progeny test project, RamCompare is about to enter an exciting new phase which means successful applicants will benefit from integrated data from a wider range of sources.

The project is looking for rams with Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) in the top 20% of the breed. Natural service sires should be shearlings or stock rams with a known, high health status. Older stock rams are welcome providing they are fit and fertile. RamCompare will also purchase frozen semen in batches of 30 doses for use via artificial insemination (AI).

Rams are selected from a range of terminal sire breeds and used on commercial farms across the UK every year. Progeny are monitored from birth to slaughter the following year, providing vital data to Signet for breeding evaluations. Now in its eighth year, RamCompare has tested 401 terminal sire rams, producing more than 38,500 lambs from commercial ewes, mated using AI or natural service.

Bridget Lloyd, project co-ordinator, said: “This is a great opportunity for breeders to contribute data which can be used to promote their flocks and the rams they have for sale. Updated results will be released in May bringing leading flocks into the spotlight with breed-specific articles and commercial farm case studies in the farming press. Improving efficiency and reducing costs are both key drivers for any business and investing in a recorded ram with the right genetic merit can meet both these criteria.”

Samuel Boon, Signet Breeding Services manager, said: “We’re excited to enter a new phase in development. This year, we’re working to integrate the analysis of abattoir traits into Signet’s routine genetic evaluations and updating the breeding index that is used to identify elite rams. These developments are an important step for RamCompare, delivering a key objective that we set when the project was launched. Nominating rams this season will give breeders a unique opportunity to get ahead in this important area of breed improvement”.

Bruce McConachie, Head of Industry Development at Quality Meat Scotland, said: “RamCompare is a fantastic opportunity for breeders to showcase their flock and contribute to the advancement of Scottish genetics.

“Successful applicants will be playing a key role within the UK-wide programme, which continues to have far-reaching positive effects on the sheep industry as a whole.”

RamCompare, funded by the levy boards AHDB, HCC, QMS and supported by Agrisearch in Northern Ireland, uses supply chain data to inform genetic evaluations. Results from the project enable commercial farmers to select superior performance recorded rams, whose progeny are better able to meet market specifications with improved efficiency, carcase value, and a reduced cost of production.

Nominations close on May 17 2024. For more information including the latest results, commercial farms involved and online ram nomination forms, visit: www. ramcompare.com or www.signetdata.com