The rams will be available for viewing at the Premier Sale in Blessington on August 13^th.

Sheep Ireland is introducing a new program this year for Texel LambPlus breeders called RamPlus. The purpose of this program is to increase genetic linkage between all the recording flocks within each breeding year and to help further increase the rate of genetic gain within the breed. This year is a pilot/trial with only two breeds (Texel & Belclare) involved and with small numbers, if it is a success and something breeders wish to carry on we would hope to continue this it into the future.

Genetic linkage is vital to accurate evaluations as this helps to link the data collected in several flocks to be adjusted by the genetic evaluations and then compared together with greater accuracy. Flocks that record lambs to any of the sires used in the RamPlus scheme will have a high genetic linkage for their 2017 lambs. This will therefore have a positive effect on the average accuracy % of the flock and lead to a reduction in the fluctuation of €uroStar ratings going forward.

This will be done by offering semen from our four selected rams (see here) at a subsidised rate, to all Texel LambPlus breeders. Sheep Ireland will also be subsidising some of the costs associated with Artificial Insemination (AI) to incentivise breeders to take part. A straw of frozen semen will be subsidised to €5 per dose (one dose per ewe) and the cost of AI will be subsidised by €5. Typically it costs approx. €17 (including VAT) to AI a ewe, so this cost will be reduced to approx. €12 a ewe for ewes AI’d through the RamPlus program. On average the subsidised cost for 10 ewes should be between €250 – €270 (including sponges, hormones, AI, semen). Breeders should source the sponges and hormones from their own vets or AI Technicians. AI Technicians will collect payments for the semen also.

See below an example for a flock that decides to AI ten ewes through the RamPlus scheme versus typical costs for AI. Costs not included below include the synchronisation of ewes and Ai Technician call out fee.

We would be recommending that each breeder AI’s approximately 10 ewes (depending on flock size), and use several/all of the rams listed, so as not to rely on only one ram. Please feel free to contact Sheep Ireland to discuss this further.

The rams that have been selected for this project were selected on the basis of being:-

• 5 Star on the Replacement index with a good accuracy percentage
• A good Terminal index
• A CPT ram themselves or be the son of a CPT ram
• They must have had lambs in 2016

Once the semen is collected it will be available through the following companies once Sheep Ireland has been notified.

We appreciate that the time window here is short, but we feel that it is a chance not to be missed. If the project is deemed a success then breeders will have more time to prepare next year. Please do not hesitate to contact us on 1850 601 901 if you have any further questions or queries regarding RamPlus.

What steps do I need to do in order to take part in RamPlus?

1. Call Sheep Ireland on 1850 601 901 to confirm you wish to take part, how many straws you required from each ram and to identify which AI Technician you will be using to AI your ewes.
2. Call your AI technician to arrange a day when they could AI your ewes. Your AI technician will provide you with any information you may require with regards to synchronising your ewes and any other management tips they would recommend prior and post insemination.