HR Commercial benefits
In March of this year Haddon Rig received a 5-star rating from Sheep Genetics in recognition of our commitment to regular and accurate data collection. 2023 marks the 10th year of collecting and submitting data to Sheep Genetics for ASBV’s on the Haddon Rig stud.
Over the last 10 years Haddon Rig has seen a marked improvement across the following ASBVs. It is important to note that these improvements were made without sacrificing the wool cut and quality and structural integrity HR is known for. As evidence of this Haddon Rig sits well above industry average for Adult Clean Fleece Weight (ACFW) and Yearling Clean Fleece Weight (YCFW).
20% increase in Merino Production Index (MP+). The MP index focuses on genetic improvement of fleece weight, fibre diameter and body weight. It also includes staple strength and reproduction
20% increase in Dual Purpose Index (DP+), reflecting genetic improvement of fleece weight and body weight. The DP+ index additionally includes reproduction, carcase traits and staple strength
30% improvement in Yearling Fat Depth (YFAT), which we have achieved whilst maintaining fleece weight
10% improvement in Yearling Fibre Diameter (YFD) value
20% increase in Yearling Eye Muscle Depth (YEMD). Rams with more positive ASBVs for YEMD will produce progeny that have more muscle, independent of weight, and a higher lean meat yield
10% increase in Weaning Rate (WR). WR calculates the predicted number of lambs weaned per ewes joined
10% increase in Post Weaning Weight (PWT)
Percentage increase in profit traits between 2013 - 2023.
merino production plus (MP+)
The MP index focuses on genetic improvement of fleece weight, fibre diameter and body weight. It also includes staple strength and reproduction.
HR MP+ is 5% higher than the industry average
HR has seen a 20% increase in Merino Production Index (MP+) since 2013
DUAL PURPOSE PLUS INDEX (DP+)
HR has seen a 20% increase in Dual Purpose Index (DP+), reflecting genetic improvement of fleece weight and body weight. The DP+ index additionally includes reproduction, carcase traits and staple strength
HR DP+ is 5% higher than industry average
WOOL
ADULT CLEAN FLEECE WEIGHT (ACFW)
ACFW estimates the genetic difference in fleece weight at 540 days of age. A positive Fleece Weight ASBV means a genetically heavier cutting animal. An ASBV of 20% means the animal will cut 20% more wool than the average.
Haddon Rig rams have adult clean fleece weights (ACFW) 30% higher than the industry average, indicating the ability of HR progeny to cut large quantities of wool throughout their entire lifetimes.
YEARLING CLEAN FLEECE WEIGHT (YCFW)
YCFW estimate the genetic difference in fleece weight at 360 days of age.
Yearling Clean Fleece Weight (YCFW) for HR Polls is over 50% above the industry average, demonstrating the ability of HR progeny to cut more wool over their entire lifetimes
YEARLING FLEECE DIAMETER - MICRON (YFD)
YFD Estimates the genetic difference between animals for fibre diameter. YFD estimates the genetic difference in fibre diameter at 360 days of age.
Haddon Rig has seen a 10% improvement in Yearling Fibre Diameter (YFD) value (reduction in the YFD value)
GROWTH
YEARLING WEIGHT (YWT)
Yearling Weight (YWT) for HR Polls is 10% above the industry average, demonstrating the early-growth ability of HR progeny, whilst maintaining wool quality and cut
Correlations of increased growth:
Genetic differences in live weight reflect the growth potential of an animal
Higher reproductive performance
Marketable at earlier ages
Higher fleece weight
Higher lean meat yield
Post weaning weight (PWT) Weight (kg) WT
Estimates the genetic difference between animals in liveweight.
Post Weaning: PWT estimates the genetic difference between animals in live-weight at 225 days of age.
HR has seen a 10% increase in Post Weaning Weight (PWT) since 2013
20% increase in Yearling Eye Muscle Depth (YEMD). Rams with more positive ASBVs for EMD will produce progeny that have more muscle, independent of weight, and a higher lean meat yield.
10% increase in Weaning Rate (WR). WR calculates the predicted number of lambs weaned per ewes joined for maternal and Merino animals.
WEANING WEIGHT (WWT)
Weaning: WWT estimates the genetic difference between animals in liveweight at 100 days of age.
WELFARE
EARLY BREECH WRINKLE (EBWR)
Haddon Rig has been scoring breech wrinkle and breech cover for over 6 years. As we move towards a mules-free type, EBWR and EBCOV scoring are critical in our mission to continue plaining up our sheep.
Haddon Rig aims to be within the top 10% of the industry for EBWR and EBCOV.
ASBVs
An Australian Sheep Breeding Value (ASBV) is an estimate of the genetic potential a sheep will pass on to its progeny. Sheep are ranked for various production characteristics using these values. ASBVs are designed to be used in conjunction with visual selection methods to select sheep that match your breeding objectives.
Liv and George Falkiner