Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 9th October 2014
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Findings from the latest sheep breed survey revealed
sheep
The findings are "a testament to the resilience of the industry."

Move away from traditional stratified crossbreeding

Findings from Britain's latest sheep breed survey show a move away from traditional "stratified crossbreeding", in favour of lowland breeding.

A report on the breeding structure of the British sheep industry was published yesterday (October 8) by EBLEX, the organisation for beef and lamb levy payers in England.

Commenting on the findings, EBLEX's beef and sheep scientist Poppy Frater, said: "Over the past 40 years, the quest to develop the perfect sheep breed has resulted in a very dynamic sheep industry in Great Britain.

"The results of the latest sheep breed survey are a testament to the resilience of the industry as it continually evolves to adapt to external change, while remaining focused on producing what the market wants."

Key findings included:

  • There are 106 different sheep breeds in Britain, an increase on figures from the previous survey
  • Crossbred ewes outnumbered purebred ewes
  • Ewe numbers declined in three main hill breeds - Scottish blackface, Swaledale and Welsh mountain
  • North country mules were found on a fifth of farms
  • Breeds that inclined in number included Texel, Lleyn, blue faced Leicester and composite easy care. Many breeds declined and several that were seen in the previous survey were not found.

The survey was completed by just under 10,000 wool producers registered with the British Wool Marketing Board. It is the fifth survey to be carried out since 1975.

Data was analysed and the report written by Geoff Pollott from the Royal Veterinary College. The findings shine a light on the popularity of different breeds and the way the sheep industry has evolved.

The report explores the ways in which environmental, political and economical influences shape the structure of the UK's sheep industry. The report aims to help organisations such as EBLEX to target their research to meet the needs of the industry. It will also improve breed societies' understanding of the impact their breeds have on the sheep industry.

To view the full report, visit: http://www.eblex.org.uk/publications/corporate-publications/


Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.