Since last year, a new ‘Ram Genomic Inbreeding’ facility is available, where two genotyped rams of the same breed can be compared to each other to see what level of relationship exists between the two animals.

Where can this facility be found?

Farmers can find this option on www.ramsearch.ie and by clicking ‘Genomic Inbreeding’.

The facility works similarly to the current Inbreeding Checker that LambPlus breeders use, where the result appears as Low, Medium or High. 

How can I check two rams?

1. Enter the first ram in the left search bar: i.e., Type the ID or name TURRET BORN TO BE WILD, IE045778401242D, J9323020
2. Select the ram from the list.
3. Enter the second ram in the right search bar: i.e., Type the ID or name IE042576106144F, REDTRENCH , J6024014
4. Select the ram from the list.
5. Click “Check Inbreeding“.
6. Find the result below.

Important: This comparison refers to the level of relation between those two animals, and not to the inbreeding coefficient of an animal itself. 

What are the benefits of using the Ram Genomic Inbreeding Checker?

Any farmer can check the level of inbreeding of the rams being used, preventing using animals with close ancestry or bloodlines, to avoid mating related females.

This facility will be hugely beneficial for Hill and Commercial farmers who may not have access to the same level of ancestry as pedigree breeders currently.

It will allow them to check the relationship between current stock rams that are genotyped against potential new stock rams who are also genotyped, and to make more informed breeding decisions to protect against inbreeding in their flocks.