DORSET HORN & POLL DORSET SHEEP BREEDERS’ ASSOCIATION March 2019
D O R S E T
Champion Male Exhibit and Best Shearling Poll Ram, May Fair, 2018, sponsored by Waitrose, David Lewis’ Pembroke Zupreme, Z172, with from left Dylan Laws, Waitrose, Francis Fooks, President, David Lewis and Andrew Kingdon, Judge
Cham
May Fair is just around the corner and the 7th and 8th May will soon be upon us.
D I A R Y
There is no better opportunity for pedigree and commercial breeders to see what the countries breeders have on offer. It also offers potential new breeders the chance to meet members of our friendly Association.
MAY FAIR EXETER LIVESTOCK MARKET SHOW DAY – TUESDAY, 7TH MAY SALE DAY – WEDNESDAY, 8TH MAY ENTRIES CLOSE MONDAY, 8TH SHARP 1
APRIL AT 12 NOON
COUNCIL MEETING WEDNESDAY, 20TH FEBRUARY, 2019 May Fair See Separate Items on Pages 3 & 4. 2019 Annual General Meeting As previously advertised the 2019 AGM will be held at the Corrs Corner Hotel, Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland on Saturday, 2nd November. Rooms will be held for up to 8 weeks prior to the event, after which they will be put back on general sale. The provisional plan following the AGM is to visit Ballynure, where Shane Wilson has had a state of the art sheep shed built. Then after lunch there will be a visit to the Robson family’s 400 head commercial flock. There are several options for the Sunday, such as a visit to the Titanic museum, Crumlin Road Jail and Glenarm Castle. Booking forms for the AGM and the menu choices for the dinner will be sent out at the beginning of July 2019 Flock Competition The judges for the 2019 Flock Competition are to be Sam Driver and Joe Larder. Applications for Membership
The following new applications for membership were accepted: Mr A Knight, Northern Ireland Mr G Longstaff, Northern Ireland Mr E Noble, Oxfordshire Mr J Rice, Devon Ms A Scullion, Northern Ireland
Prefix: Prefix: Prefix: Prefix: Prefix:
Members re-joined since publication of Flock Book. Mrs Kay Ballinger G R & M A Cox Mr G I Lewis Mr & Mrs M Montgomery Miss J Young
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Knight Narrow Gauge Witney Essington Mullach-ard
MAY FAIR 2019
INSPECTION “There will be a strict inspection for Health, Teeth and Testicles for all rams and individual females which will take place prior to 11.30 a.m. on Tuesday, 7th May by a 3 member inspection panel. This will also include physical and type traits. There will be no appeals. All rams and individual females MUST be on site by 10.00 a.m. on Tuesday, 7th May, 2019. Any rams and individual females not on site by 10.00 a.m. will not be accepted.
MAY FAIR ENTRY FORMS May Fair entry forms are now being sent out, but only to those breeders that have entered May Fair in the past five or six years. They will also be sent to those of you I have an e-mail address for. The entry forms will be available to download from the Website, but if you require entry forms to be sent to you please let me know as soon as possible. ENTRIES CLOSE ON MONDAY, 8TH APRIL, AT 12 NOON. PAYMENT MUST BE MADE WITH ENTRY FORMS, EITHER BY CHEQUE OR BACS. ANY VENDORS WITH OUTSTANDING MAY FAIR ENTRY FEES AND/OR OUTSTANDING DEBTS AS AT 1 P.M. ON 8 APRIL WILL NOT BE INCLUDED IN THE DRAW. PLEASE REMEMBER FAXED OR E-MAILED ENTRIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. NO LATE ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED.
FEMALES FOR MAY FAIR, 2019 PLEASE REMEMBER THAT IN ORDER TO BE SOLD AS REGISTERED ALL EWES (YEAR LETTER “P” “S”, “T”, “U” “W”, “X” & “Z”), SHEARLING EWES (YEAR LETTER “A”) AND EWE LAMBS (YEAR LETTER “B”) MUST BE REGISTERED BEFORE THE SALE AND REGISTRATION FORMS MUST BE SENT WITH ENTRY FORMS IF NOT ALREADY REGISTERED OR DONE ON LINE (See info on Grassroots on Page 5), IN ORDER FOR CERTIFICATES TO BE PRODUCED BEFORE THE SALE. THESE CERTIFICATES MUST ACCOMPANY THE SHEEP TO THE SALE AND BE BATCHED ACCORDING TO LOT NUMBERS, AND HANDED IN ON ARRIVAL TO THE BREED SECRETARY WHO WILL BE IN THE MARKET OFFICE.
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SIGNET CLASSES (Female & Male) These classes will no longer be worked out on points and showing results, but will now be judged as per a normal show class. However, on entering the ring entries will be lined up according to index. Winners of both the classes will be eligible for their respective championship. Rams or females entered in these classes will not be allowed to enter any other class, apart from the Progeny class.
MONDAY NIGHT ARRIVALS FOR MAY FAIR Any vendors wishing to arrive for May Fair on the Monday evening MUST ring Russell Steer after 6 p.m. on the Monday, on 01392 251261 to ascertain exactly what time they may be allowed to gain entry, BUT THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO GUARANTEE THAT ACCESS WILL BE ALLOWED, AND IT IS ENTIRELY AT THE VENDORS OWN RISK.
The Cornella Cup This cup and a bursary of £100 (to help the winner towards expenses to attend the AGM) is awarded annually in memory of the late David Mathews, Greenfield Farm, Treoes, Bridgend ( past President of the Society), by his wife Mrs Liz Mathews to the most “enterprising young breeder” in recognition of all that David did in encouraging young breeders in developing their interest in the Dorset breed. Council are now inviting nominations from members with an explanation of why the nominee is being put forward, by the June Council meeting to be held on Wednesday, 26th June, 2019, so that the winner can be invited to the Annual General Meeting in Northern Ireland on 2nd November, 2019, where the award will be presented. The winner will be selected by our President, Les French. “If you are young and keen in the Breed”, then why not give it a go – nothing to loose but a lot to gain !
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GRASSROOTS RECORDING SYSTEM AND PEDEWEB You may, or may not, be aware, that the Society is transferring all data on to the Grassroots Recording system and Pedeweb. Pedeweb will allow members to access a number of services: • • • • • • •
‘On line’ access to the breed society registry information ‘On line’ access to member information (limited by data protection flags) ‘On line’ secure back up The provision to carry out ‘on line’ registration, transfer and notification of deaths Ability to search for animals for sale On-line sale entries (in due course) On-line show results (in due course)
I will shortly be sending out a letter to all members with a link of how to get to Pedeweb and also an access code. Each member will have a unique access code which will be needed together with your membership number to access Pedeweb. Together with this letter will be a form for you to check your details and also indicate what level of your information you would like to be made available. This form will need to be signed and returned to the office. If we do not hear from you your name, flock name, member number and region only will be displayed. On the website along with the link to access Pedeweb there will be a PedeWeb User Guide to help you. You will be welcome to enter your own on line registrations etc., which will then need to be downloaded and sent to the office to process before then being uploaded to Pedeweb by the office. Paper registrations can of course still be sent direct to the office to be entered as normal. There is also to be a new registration certificate which will give a further generation of pedigree, and will be on A4 paper, Green for rams and Yellow for females. Members will not be able to print their own certificates. I am sure there will be lots of questions, but please also bear with me whilst I am also learning the system!!
NATIONAL DORSET SHOW – SATURDAY, 15TH JUNE IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE THREE COUNTIES SHOW, 14TH – 16TH JUNE As you will already know the Three Counties Show have very kindly agreed to host the National Dorset Show this year. Schedules and on line entries are open on 1st March. PLEASE support it if you possibly can. Schedules and entry forms and any further details can be obtained from: Fiona Parker, Three Counties Agricultural Society, Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcestershire WR13 6NW email: fiona.parker@threecounties.co.uk www.threecounties.co.uk 5
Signet’s new genetic analysis: The National Terminal Sire Evaluation In 2019, Signet will relaunch the genetic evaluation service provided for terminal sire breeds. The new service will deliver AHDB-funded research through a multi-breed evaluation, including new estimated breeding values (EBVs) and a major change to existing traits, expressing breeding values on a more commercially focused, weight-adjusted basis. This exciting new approach will result in some of the biggest changes to Signet analyses in the last 20 years, with all breeding values being re-based for the first time since 1990. What does this mean for Dorset breeders? Updated EBVs - The biggest change within the new analysis will be to move all carcase traits from being age adjusted (current method) to weight adjusted. This means the updated EBVs will be a better prediction of carcase composition (muscling/fatness) at a fixed weight. As lambs are selected for slaughter based on a combination of weight and finish, rather than age, this will give a more commercial focus to carcase EBVs. New traits - A new analysis gives the perfect opportunity to introduce new traits. From past and present CT images in breeds where lambs are regularly CT scanned, we have been able to calculate EBVs for: • CT Eye muscle area • Vertebrae number (thoracic, lumbar and total) • Spine length (thoracic, lumbar and total) • Intramuscular fat percentage (IMF%) Other new traits will include: • Birth weight • Lambing ease • Litter size reared Re-basing - In 2019 all EBVs and Indexes will be re-based. Currently figures are shown relative to the average animal in 1990. The re-base will be set to 2010 meaning figures will be reported back to the average animal in 2010 which will have an EBV of 0 or an index of 100. The re-based figures will mean a scan weight EBV of +4kg means an animal is 4kg heavier at scanning than the average animal in 2010. Re-basing is an inevitable part of genetic evaluations and is crucial to keep the figures tangible. It also means that unknown animals/flocks will not start with EBVs as drastically low as they have previously. New Indexes - Included breeds will now receive two indexes • Terminal sire index – optimising growth, muscle depth and CT lean weight whilst holding the current levels of finish • Maternal index – optimising prolificacy, maternal ability and early growth rate without increasing mature size or having a detrimental effect on muscling or lamb finish
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Benchmark – the new Dorset benchmark can be seen below, new traits are included on a more detailed benchmark upon request:
Dorset Breed Benchmark Maternal Ability EBV (kg) Litter Size Born EBV (%) Eight Week Weight EBV (kg) Scan Weight EBV (kg) Muscle Depth EBV (mm)* Fat Depth EBV (mm)* Lean Weight EBV (kg)* Fat Weight EBV (kg)* Gigot Muscularity EBV (kg)* Mature Size EBV (Shearling Weight) (kg) Terminal Sire Index Maternal Index
Bottom 5%
Bottom 10%
Bottom 25%
Average
Top 25%
Top 10%
Top 5%
-0.47
-0.33
-0.08
0.2
0.48
0.73
0.87
-0.06
-0.04
-0.01
0.02
0.05
0.08
0.1
-0.7
-0.34
0.25
0.9
1.55
2.14
2.5
-1.71
-0.79
0.74
2.44
4.14
5.67
6.59
-0.69
-0.41
0.06
0.58
1.1
1.57
1.85
-0.71
-0.58
-0.37
-0.13
0.11
0.32
0.45
-0.12
-0.08
-0.01
0.06
0.13
0.2
0.24
-0.52
-0.43
-0.28
-0.11
0.06
0.21
0.3
-0.38
-0.28
-0.13
0.05
0.23
0.38
0.48
-2.58
-1.7
-0.22
1.43
3.08
4.56
5.44
133
151
182
217
252
283
301
148
165
193
224
256
284
301
RamCompare RamCompare is a major industry sheep breeding initiative and the first commercial progeny test in the UK for terminal sire rams. In the first three seasons over 6,600 ewes were mated to 138 leading rams and updated results incorporating 2018 born lambs will be released in April 2019. Phase II of the project opened up nominations wider than the original five terminal sire breeds with 2018 born lambs being sired by a range of nine breeds. Nominations open on Monday 7th January 2019 and Dorset breeders can nominate their own rams/semen for selection. Closing 8th March, successful candidates will be confirmed in April. All performance recorded terminal sire breeds are eligible. Carcase and growth traits should be in the top 25 per cent of the breed. How can I get involved? 2019 will prove to be the most exciting in Signets history with changes enhancing the service we can provide to performance recording clients. With change comes opportunity, and hence there has never been a better opportunity to get involved with the most proven method of improving flock genetics. For more information on performance recording your Dorset flock please contact Emma Steele at emma.steele@ahdb.org.uk
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DORSET HORN & POLL DORSET SHEEP BREEDERS’ ASSOCIATION In association with
H & H – Borderway Mart Proudly announce Carlisle Show & Sale of Dorset *SPRING STARS* Monday, 25th March, 2019 – within Borderway Mart, Rosehill, Carlisle, CA1 2RS
Supreme Champion, Carlisle – August, 2018
This inaugural Show & Sale of Top Tier Pedigree registered Dorset rams and females is the Association’s initial event of 2019, allowing Breeders nationwide the foremost opportunity to avail themselves of Premier Dorset sheep bloodlines prior to the onset of the Spring 2019 Tupping season.
Plan ahead – Plan to be there! Showing @ 12 Noon – Auction at 1 p.m. Classes for Shearling Ewes, Ewe Lambs, Shearling Rams, Ram Lambs Judge: Mr Rowland Davies, Dolclettwr Flock For further information contact: The Breed Secretary, Mrs Marg Cowley, DH & PD Sheep Breeders’ Association, Agriculture House, Acland Road, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1EF Tel: 01305 262126 Or for Entry Forms: The Pedigree Department, Mrs Heather Pritchard Harrison & Hetherington, Borderway Mart, Rosehill, Carlisle 9
Tel: 01228 406200
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Intra muscular Fat research Intra muscular fat or IMF is influenced by three key factors. Firstly maturity, as any of you will know if you have been around for a few years it is much easier to put on fat than muscle as you get older and the same holds true for lambs. Secondly diet, we know diets high in clover and there are others will allow animals to lay down more fat than say, a grain diet and finally genetics. In New Zealand there has been a huge focus on breeding animals that grow faster, which is ideal for our grass fed system. However the cost of this is that fast growing animals are generally leaner as it costs significantly more energy to lay down fat than muscle. This means that if you have two animals that are similar in every way but one lays more fat down than the other it will also be slower growing. As lamb continues to increase in price there has been more and more discussion about eating enjoyment and what constitutes good eating lamb. Certainly some IMF adds to the juiciness of the lamb and omega 6 and omega 9 fatty acids certainly improve the flavour of the lamb. There is also research mainly in merino sheep that shows ewes that carry a bit more sub cutaneous fat are more robust and productive especially in challenging environments. Given there is a strong correlation between sub cutaneous fat and IMF it could follow that these animals as lambs would also have more IMF. So there is a balance between growing more and more muscle quickly and having an adequate level of IMF so every eating experience of lamb is a good one. There is no question that some breeds are better than others especially our early maturing terminal sire breeds such as Southdown. However no one likes to see lamb in the butchers or super market that carries an excess amount of fat, so it important to get the balance right. As I mentioned we can do much in this regard through management. Selling lambs before they lay down excess amounts of fat or over mature, using clover based diets to grow lambs faster with better levels of IMF, wether lambs have more IMF than entire lambs, breed selection and others. The however in the end it is always the market. Wholesalers and retailers need to be able to assess superior eating lamb and offer it at a premium reflecting its quality and of course pay the farmer more for it. There has been a lot of work done on branding lamb and educating the consumer as to how it was produced and why it is good for you. But in my experience most people buy lamb because it is bloody enjoyable to eat and want to know that the good money they are paying for the lamb will give them the eating experience they expect. So what is Lincoln University? We have undertaken a three year trial with ram breeders including Perendales, Texel’s, Southdown, Romney’s and Beltex to look at five 12
different genes that we know have some effect on IMF. All lambs will be fully recorded including pedigree. We are working with a processor who can measure IMF while processing the lamb. Our aim is, identify and quantify one or more genes that can be used to select for better IMF and that is commercially viable for the stud breeder to use. Secondly work with the processor to identify the higher returns needed by farmers to bred for higher IMF. We are also looking into whether we can match ultra sound back scanning and CT scanning with what we are seeing when the lamb is processed in regard to IMF. The outcome we hope will be a commercial gene test that stud breeders can use to aid in the selection for better IMF if that is one of the selection criteria and to get processor to start providing market signals regarding IMF and what they are prepared to pay for it.
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Sheila Gray, who was unable to attend the 2018 AGM receiving the Petit France trophy from Alec Steff
OBITUARY It is with great sadness that I have to report the news that Mr John Kennedy passed away in January. John was President of the Society in 1972. A memorial service was held on Saturday, 9th February at Charminster Church.
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DORSET HORN & POLL DORSET SHEEP BREEDERS’ ASSOCIATION 2019 SHOW & SALE DATES Carlisle Show & Sale of Dorset “Spring Stars”
Monday, 25th March
May Fair
Tuesday, 7th & Wednesday 8th May
Welsh Sheep
Tuesday, 21st May
North Sheep
Wednesday, 5th June
NSA Highland Sheep
Wednesday, 12th June
National Dorset Show (in conjunction with Royal Three Counties Show)
Saturday, 15th June
Sheep South West
Tuesday, 18th June
Llandovery Show & Sale
Saturday, 29th June
NSA Sheep, NI
Monday, 1st July
Stirling Show & Sale
Wednesday, 3rd July
Worcester Show & Sale
Saturday, 13th July
47th NI Annual Premier Export Show & Sale
Monday, 29th July
8th Hilltown EU Export Show & Sale
Friday, 9th August
Gisburn Show & Sale
Saturday, 10th August
4th Omagh Show & Sale
Friday, 16th August
Carlisle Show & Sale
Friday, 30th August
30th NI Autumn Show & Sale
Monday, 7th October
Anuual General Meeting Northern Ireland
Saturday, 2nd November
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DISCLAIMER
DORSET HORN & POLL DORSET SHEEP BREEDERS’ ASSOCIATION
The Dorset Horn and Poll Dorset Sheep Breeders’ Association produce this newsletter in good faith and cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies contained therein.
Agriculture House Acland Road Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1EF Tel/Fax : 01305 262126 e-mail: dorsetsheep@xlnmail.com www.dorsetsheep.org.uk Secretary: Marguerite Cowley
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