Performance Recording might just sound like a lot of meaningless figures, but this case study shows that the use of a performance recorded Ram has significantly improved the speed of finishing lambs.
All posts by Paul
Kimbolton Flock Participates in Important Mastitus Research
The Kimbolton Flock is delighted to be one of the flocks that is participating in a milestone research project being conducted by the University of Warwick which is designed to further the understanding of intramammary infections (mastitis) in sheep.
This study is one of the first of its kind, particularly on meat sheep in Great Britain, the majority of previous studies have been based on dairy flocks in Europe. The results will show whether udder shape is heritable, and whether udder shape is linked to mastitis. In the long-term, it is hoped to use the information gained as an aid to decision making, leading to flocks with healthier udders and associated improvements on ewe and lamb performance.
The multi year project will see measurements and samples taken from the Kimbolton flock which will be subsequently analysed with the outcome of the study being published in late 2014.
Kimbolton Flock Wins 3rd Place in Flock Competition
The Kimbolton Flock is delighted to announce that it has won third place (medium sized flock) in the Shropshire & Borders Flock Competition.
This is the first flock competition that Paul has entered and speaking after the prizes were announced he said “As a new member of the Club it was my first opportunity to be judged, not just with one animal but all of them! As a relative new entrant into farming I am delighted to have been placed 3rd in such a strong field of established breeders”
Kimbolton Flock Placed at English National Sale Show
The Kimbolton Flock was delighted to have won second place in the pre-sale show with a Shearling Ram on its first visit to the English National Sale.
Kimbolton Statesman was sired by breed record holder 220,000gn Deveronvale Perfection out of a Barnage ewe by Callerton Orion who Paul bought at the same sale two years earlier.
Speaking after the sale Paul said “To be placed second at a National Sale out of such a large field of well known established breeders is an amazing feeling”
Pictured below is Statesman relaxing in his working clothes before his big day.
Kimbolton Flock featured in 2012 Innovis Ram Directory and Services Publication
Kimbolton Flock Participates in British Texel Genomic Project
A ram from the Kimbolton Flock has been selected to provide a tissue sample as a part of this milestone research project.
The project is a breed development geonomic DNA programme which is being carried out by the Texel Sheep Society in conjunction with SAC and Ovita New Zealand and will see 390 samples taken in the UK from high index Texel Rams.
The sample was provided from the stock ram Broncroft Osman and the outcome of the research will allow for a better understanding of the breeds DNA profile. This will offer future opportunities for the breed’s inclusion in the development of Terminal Sire Markers that may become available to UK breeders in the future.