Central Progeny Test (CPT)

CPT: Central Progeny Test – The CPT is set up not as a breed comparison, but rather as a ram and trait comparison. It will be focused on identifying the best genetics regardless of breed.  The CPT will provide the basis for assessing a large number of rams, and linking this information to an even wider number of animals throughout that Breed’s Pedigree System. Genetic links between breeds and breeding groups established through the CPT will in time be used in large scale evaluations performed across flocks and across breeds by Sheep Ireland. The intention is to evaluate as many new sires as possible each year, while having as wide a presence as possible throughout Ireland.

The CPT is set up to: Examine how much industry rams vary in carcass merit. Examine how much industry rams vary in maternal merit. Foster links between Breed Societies, Ram Breeding Groups, and the wider Breeding Industry. Identify leading sires and benchmark sires. Demonstrate to the industry the extent to which rams varied in the value they could add to farm returns. With the collection of valuable data, improve our understanding of the genetic control of carcass merit and maternal merit and their relationship with other production traits. CPT Rams 2009

CPT Launch

The CPT was first started in 2009 with 30 Rams from 5 Breeds used through AI across 2100 ewes. The Rams were picked from Lambplus Flocks based on their number of relatives in other Lambplus flocks within their breed. Performance data will be collected on all resulting lambs & included in each Ram’s evaluation as well as all of its relatives evaluations.

The Central Progeny Test Report is available for download here.

To join LambPlus & have your Ram(s) included in the CPT program, download and complete the LambPlus Sign Up Form (pdf) and return it to Lambplus, Sheep Ireland, Highfield House, Shinagh, Bandon, Co.Cork.