Suffolk breeders head for full performance recording

RAM BUYERS looking for Suffolk tups with performance recording figures this year should have plenty of choice, with a 28% increase in the number of Suffolk flocks recording.

Suffolk Sheep Society commercial director Robyn Hulme told visitors to North Sheep that many leading flocks had now recognised the benefits of performance recording and would be presenting rams for sale this year with performance data.

However, Mr Hulme admitted there was still a long way to go before all Suffolk rams produced by pedigree breeders were recorded. “This year the figure stands at about 12-13% of flocks, but this is increasing all the time.

“It is the big and medium sized flocks which are signing up, so the number of rams available with figures will be high. Also, many of these flocks will be providing rams to other pedigree breeders, so the benefits will cascade through the breed.”

One breeder returning to performance recording is Worcs-based John Sinnett. “The introduction of the across breed analysis has persuaded me of the benefits of recording, particularly now all flocks will be using the same figures to promote their stock.”

And furthering his commitment to performance recording, Mr Sinnett said figures would now be a key criteria when selecting breeding rams for his Stockton flock.

As a further aid to ram buyers EBLEX has produced ram buying guides for leading terminal sire breeds, including Suffolks, explaining how to select rams based on EBVs and which rams to use in certain situations, added Mr Hulme. “We hope that with more recorded rams available and the new leaflet more commercial producers will recognise the benefits available from these rams – mainly that recorded rams leave lambs worth more.”

Producers wanting a ram buying guide can contact Heather Stewart at BRP on 0870 241 8829 or email better_returns@eblex.org.uk