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Maternal ability assessment set to improve
Sheep and lambs
"The maternal ability EBV provides producers with a way to assess this commercially important trait".
New approach takes into account lamb's eight-week weight

New research will lead to 'major improvements' in the assessment of maternal ability in sheep, according to beef and lamb levy body EBLEX.

Research commissioned by the organisation, looking at the Lleyn and Dorset breeds, identified the need for a better way to assess the genetic potential of flocks for maternal ability.

The updated approach is being rolled out to all breeds recorded by Signet Breeding Services in 2015.  It takes into consideration the direct and maternal genetic influences on a lamb's eight-week weight, as well as environmental influences.

The analysis of eight-week weights will consider:

  • The contemporary group in which lambs are reared – incorporating their flock and year of birth, as well as their sex
  • The number of lambs being reared by each ewe
  • Age of the ewe
  • Direct genetic influence on lamb growth rate from sire and dam – this becomes the eight-week weight EBV
  • Maternal genetic influence on lamb growth rate from dam – this becomes the maternal ability EBV
  • Temporary environmental influences on the lamb
  • Permanent environmental influences on the dam

The organisation say that the maternal ability EBV is designed to identify breeding lines where ewes express superior performance as mothers in terms of their ability to influence lamb growth rate in early life.

They add that it is expressed 'independently of prolificacy', however it will take into account that a number of lambs that a ewe is rearing. By taking this into consideration, the maternal ability of EBVs of ewes producing singles/multiples are not biased in any way.

EBLEX breeding specialist Sam Boon said: "Without access to detailed lamb weight records it is very difficult to assess a ewe's genetic merit for traits like milk production and maternal care, and virtually impossible when selecting rams.

"The maternal ability EBV provides producers with a way to assess this commercially important trait. This will help them avoid the purchase of rams whose daughters are likely to express poorer levels of milk production and rear lighter lambs as a result."

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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.