HR was recognised as Trait Leaders in AWI’s Merino Lifetime Productivity Program for Reproduction[GU1] , Fleece Weight and Breech Trait Scores (top 3). This included a weaning rate of 135% (WR: +0.22) and a Clean Fleece Weight (A4CFW) of 5.8 kgs (ACFW: 13%). We were also leaders across all four indexes: DP+ (128), MP+ (116), WP+ (116) and FP+ (110) and recorded the highest number of foetuses scanned. This aligns with what we find in our own scanning programs, with consistently high twinning rates across the[GU2] years.
Importantly, HR also recorded the highest survivability (92% ewe survival). This is an encouraging validation of our efforts at HR, specifically our drive to breed a balanced animal that survives and performs consistently across its lifetime.
Comment from Ben Swain, “This ram we hypothesised would get better as he got older, and that’s exactly what he did. He started off slowly and is now a trait leader for fleece weights and reproduction, which is rare to be doing both. He’s currently leading the way with highest number of foetuses scanned. He’s below average for fat and muscle, moderately framed, low on body weight, a really interesting ram when you think about economics of wool. He’s a moderately framed sheep, cutting a lot of wool and siring a lot of lambs. He’s the trait leader for all four indexes and the highest survival for ewes, 92% of these ewes have survived since marking. These ewes can rear a heap of lambs and survive, that’s got to mean something. If you jump into any pen today, make it this one.”
Full results found here: http://merinosuperiorsires.com.au