You are currently viewing Second Nominee for Most improved LambPlus flock 2019 –  Ornaith Clarke – Trojan Texels (OCE)

Second Nominee for Most improved LambPlus flock 2019 – Ornaith Clarke – Trojan Texels (OCE)

Trojan Texels is the second of five flocks nominated for the most improved LamPlus flock in 2019. Based in Boyerstown near Navan, Co. Meath the Trojan flock is owned by Ornaith Clarke. The Trojan flock was established in 2004 and has been a member of the LambPlus since the programme’s introduction in 2009. Ornaith’s main aim is to produce functional sheep that will perform in a commercial system with repeat custom being the proof that her efforts are successful. A big focus is to produce easy lambing sires as this is a trait that can turn some commercial producers away from Texels and an area that Ornaith feels sets Trojan Texels apart.

Data collection is a key part of the management strategy for Ornaith with all data recorded using a handheld reader that incorporates an EID reader and a data collection tool. Ornaith’s attention to detail and accuracy when recording data is demonstrated with her high DQI of 81%. Ornaith stated that keeping her flock inventory up to date and uploading data in a timely fashion are two areas she feels helps her to maintain a high DQI.

When selecting replacements to be retained or selecting new breeding rams, Ornaith first focuses on the animal’s €uro-Star figures and then ensures the animal is functionally correct with good length, legs, head and “looks the part”.  Selecting rams with suitable heads is something that Ornaith takes into consideration as this can affect lambing difficulty and many commercial breeders will try to steer clear large heads. Ornaith’s use of the €uro-Star values to select replacement females and to select breeding rams has resulted in her 2019 lambs having an average €uro-Star value of €0.58 on the replacement index and €1.51 on the terminal index placing Trojan Texels in the Top 6% of Texel flocks. All ewes are mated naturally with teaser rams used to compact the lambing season. Ornaith has made rams available to the CPT and RamPlus programmes in the past and also shares sires with other texel flocks to improve ram accuracies and linkage. The time and effort put into improving animal’s index accuracies is clearly evident from the average flock index accuracy of 45%.

Due to the sharing of rams between many flocks, Trojan Texels has great accessibility to the top genetics and a wide range of sires have had an effect on the flock over the years. Hillcrest Yeovil has the most progeny in the flock and was selected based on his €uro-Star rating which is very impressive at €2.40 (Top 2%) on the replacement index and €2.52 on the terminal index (Top 2%). Foundry Achilles has also had a big influence on the flock and again has excellent €uro-Star figures at €1.35 (Top 5%) on the replacement index and €2.38 on the terminal index (Top 2%).  A young ram with his first lambs on the ground in 2019 is Derrylahan Big Balls. Ornaith is very impressed with the quality of the lambs this ram is producing, backing up his double 5 Star figures with a replacement index figure of €0.35 (Top 16%) and a terminal index figure of €2.27  (Top 2% ).