International experts from Norway and the USA join the line-up of speakers at the 2015 Sheep Breeders Round Table to discuss the opportunities and challenges for sheep breeding in the coming years.
The biennial event, which is organised by AHDB Beef and Lamb, Signet Breeding Services, the National Sheep Association (NSA), Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC) and Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), is open to anyone with an interest in sheep production and always attracts a varied audience of farmers, breeders, researchers and vets. This year the conference, which takes place from 20-22 November in Nottingham, has the theme ‘Get better or get gone’.
Experiences from other countries offer UK breeders the opportunity to learn and develop their businesses further. Norway was one of the first countries to engage in co-operative breeding schemes and the importance of working together to achieve a common breeding goal, through co-operation and centralised decision-making, will form the basis of the presentation to be given by Thor Blichfeldt, Head of Breeding and AI for the Norwegian Association of Sheep and Goat Breeders.
Improving sheep breeding is not without challenges and Ron Lewis, Professor of Animal Breeding and Genomics at the University of Nebraska, will highlight those faced in North America, alongside the successes and the opportunities that lie ahead.
Signet Manager, Samuel Boon, said: “Genetic improvement has a massive impact on livestock production in terms of improving growth and carcase traits, maternal efficiency and animal welfare. And at a time when we are looking to reduce inputs, these genetic gains can reduce the carbon footprint of ruminant production.
“The conference is a great opportunity for anyone involved in the sheep industry to learn, develop and network. Delegates that take this back to their business to make improvements will lead to a more efficient and productive UK flock.”
Ram breeder, Robyn Hulme, is looking forward to learning more at this year’s event, he said: “Ram breeding is a long term business requiring us to plan ahead for the next five to ten years. With a rapidly growing business we cannot stand still and therefore, it is important to have a view of where the sheep industry is going – Sheep Breeders Round Table is the ideal forum to do this, as well as learning more about new industry developments and networking.
“The event also offers plenty of opportunities for me to talk in depth to specialists, which has been really valuable for my business.”
The event will also include a scientific poster competition, aimed at undergraduate or postgraduate students, and there is the option for companies to sponsor a young person (aged 18-30) to attend the event.
