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Ewe Productivity: A new trait being researched by Sheep Ireland

At the recent ICBF and Sheep Ireland Genetics Conference (ISGC) there was a poster session that showcased the latest ongoing research into animal breeding and genetics from the dairy, beef and sheep industries.

Seán Godfrey, Sheep Ireland presented a poster on a new trait being researched by Sheep Ireland, Ewe Productivity. This trait looks at the ewes performance over the course of her lifetime in terms of did she have lambs each year. The development of this trait as an index is in its infancy stage yet and the collection of more data around ewes death dates and reasons for death is crucial to an accurate Ewe Productivity Index being produced.

New web screens have been developed which gives breeders many different options when it comes to recording death dates and reasons for death. The Factory Sales screen and the Off Farm Sales screen allow the breeder to accurately record why ewes were sold or slaughtered.

To view the poster that was presented at the ICBF and Sheep Ireland Genetics Conference (ISGC) click here.