Southdown Signet recorded flocks
Why record with Signet
A number of Southdown Breeders use the National Terminal Sire Evaluation (NTSE) scheme run by Signet Breeding Services (part of AHDB). This helps them take a more scientific approach to selecting top performing stock, improving their flocks and the breed. The scheme also allows performance information to be made available to commercial and pedigree flocks.
How does the Recording Scheme Work
This calculation "levels the playing field" by minimising differences in performance due to management and highlighting genetic potential. The components of the various EBVs are regularly refined and kept under review. There was a major overhaul in 2019 when indexes were rebased and the Terminal Sire Index (especially important for commercial flocks), was changed to a weight adjusted composite score based on 18 week weight, muscle and fat depth. Since then new traits have been made available for stock (and their progeny) which have been CT scanned. The background data set has also been strengthened by information from the RamCompare project and genomics leading to new criteria (eg days to slaughter, carcase weight) and greater accuracy.
Using EBVs
The Signet website has a very useful EBV Search function allowing buyers to check for the best performing animals based on different EBVs.
However, when reviewing an EBV do take note of the accuracy figure; those with a lower % are less reliable. The more progeny an animal has and the more measurements that have been taken the more reliable the figures will be. For example, a ram with >30 progeny, ultrasound scanning, and CT scanning could have accuracy figures for some criteria of 90% or more. A ram with pedigree information, no progeny and a little bit of historic genetic information may have an accuracy of c.43%; while an animal that has virtually no data other than pedigree information could have an accuracy of 25% or lower.
To find out more about the NTSE recording scheme visit: signetdata.com
Performance Recorded Southdown Flocks
A list of Southdown flocks that currently record through the scheme can be found here.
