Sheep Ireland Central Progeny Test 2017

Today Friday 29th September the first ewe sponging is taking place in advance of our CPT AI programme. AI ram panels are now finalised for most breeds, with some late selection decisions to be made on a minority of rams. Ram availability at this time of year has been an issue for some breeders as we made our invitations for programme involvement. Unfortunately a number of breeders also refused to enter rams, which is disappointing. The Central Progeny Test while operated by Sheep Ireland, is a programme which hugely benefits all breeds which participate. The CPT helps these breeds to maximise their genetic which ultimately will help their long term contribution to Irish sheep farmers. A number of meetings with breed societies and ram breeders will be taking place over the coming months and Sheep Ireland will be once again inviting input into the running of the CPT especially around annual ram identification.

CPT AI

Our first AI date will take place in two weeks from today Friday, on the farm of James Naper outside
Oldcastle in Co. Meath. At present the CPT rams are being assembled in our usual base in Lyons Estate on the UCD farm. Rams will be quarantined here for a period of time and given thorough inspection by our vet before being trained to jump and provide semen for AI. Please see below some images of the first rams which arrived this.