In 2025, as part of the Central Progeny Testing Natural Mating and AI programme, 2,400 ewes were served at 2 CPT flocks and 8 Commercial recording flocks funded by Sheep Ireland.
During 2025, Sheep Ireland purchased 17 rams. Together with other rams purchased in 2024, plus breeders’ rams used in AI, the CPT flocks’ ewes were mated to 34 different rams.
Many breeds were used this year, including Belclare, Charollais, Lleyn, Rouge de l’Ouest, Suffolk, Texel, and Vendeen. This will reflect in lots of data collected and a huge number of different bloodlines evaluated in 2026.
All the mating data was recorded using the LambPlus App.
Since its establishment in 2009, the Sheep Ireland Central Progeny Test (CPT) has played a pivotal role in advancing genetic improvement within Ireland’s sheep industry. Initially designed to fast-track and maintain genetic linkage among performance-recording flocks, the CPT has evolved significantly over the years, adapting to technological advancements and expanding its scope.
See the profile of each ram used by clicking on the name and accessing the Ramsearch records:
Natural Mating
Artificial Insemination:
| Charollais | Belclare | |
| LUNA DYNAMITE | OLTORE KAISON | |
| UPPERTOWN DUKE | ||
| Texel | ||
| Suffolk | FRENCHBROOK IMPRESSIVE | |
| KILCURLEY FKV2104665 | OBERSTOWN INDIGO | |
| KILDUFF BALMORAL | FORAS FTI2330501 | |
Evolution of the Sheep Ireland Central Progeny Test
Early Foundations and Genetic Linkage
In its early years, the CPT relied on Single Sire Mating (SSM) to assign parentage, using influential bloodlines from widely used sheep breeds. This approach ensured strong genetic linkage across flocks. However, with the advent of genomic technologies, parentage is now assigned through genotyping, with DNA samples collected from all CPT animals.
CPT flocks are commercial operations contracted by Sheep Ireland to carry out intensive performance recording. While laparoscopic artificial insemination (AI) was initially the standard, the program now primarily uses cervical AI and natural mating methods. The adoption of genomic technologies has opened the door to even more data as parentage can now be assigned to lambs where Single Sire Mating has not taken place.
Validating Genetic Indexes
A core function of the CPT is to validate genetic indexes on commercial farms. The program has consistently demonstrated that selecting 5-star rams with superior genetics leads to improved productivity and profitability for sheep farmers.
To date, Sheep Ireland has used over 400 different rams in the CPT, representing a diverse array of bloodlines. The data collected feeds directly into the EuroStar Indexes, which are publicly available in sales catalogues and online via Ram Search.
Data Integration and Genetic Evaluations
Crucial slaughter data from these flocks is integrated into genetic evaluations via an API from meat processors, providing essential insights into traits like Days to Slaughter. These records form a fundamental part of the Terminal and Replacement Indexes.
Beyond Sheep Ireland-funded flocks, data also flows in from various sources:
- Teagasc research flocks
- Teagasc BETTER Farms
- Agricultural colleges using performance recording as an educational tool
- Independent commercial flocks, including Tullamore Farm
- Pedigree breeders recording commercial animals
Get Involved
Sheep Ireland encourages all commercial farmer interested in performance recording their flock to join LambPlus 2026.
The long-term benefits of participating in this program can be substantial, offering improved flock performance and profitability.
Call us 023 882 0451 or email us at [email protected].