The tags for rams help farmers identify top genetic quality
A new gold plus identifier has been introduced to help ram buyers identify top stock with the most productive genetics which could improve their profitability.
The new identifier was created following the success of Signet Breeding Servicesâ âSeek the Standardâ campaign in 2017, and indicates rams in the top 5 per cent of their breed, based on index.
This is in addition to the gold and silver identifiers which indicate rams in the top 10 and 25 per cent of their breed, respectively.
High-index rams can increase profitability by ÂŁ3-4 per lamb. Over a ramâs lifetime, this is an extra ÂŁ1,000.
These identifiers are part of the âSeek the Standardâ campaign, which encourages breeders to âSeek, Check and Reviewâ to ensure they buy rams with high genetic merit.
Emma Steele, Signet Specialist Breeding Adviser, said: âThe response to the 2017 campaign was brilliant and we had breeders making their own identifiers to show their stock had higher indexes than the top 10 per cent.
âDue to this demand, we are running the campaign again with an additional âgold plusâ identifier, so ram buyers can easily spot rams in the top 5 per cent of their breed, as well as the top 10 and 25 per cent.â
'Easy to spot'
Matt Harding, pedigree breeder of Bentley Suffolks, has used the identifiers and said: âThe 2017 campaign gave us another opportunity to make our stock stand out at sales. The gold and silver identifiers made it easy for buyers to spot high-index rams at a glance.
âWeâre looking forward to trying out the new gold plus identifier this year, which will really highlight rams with some of the most productive genetics in the breed.â
Driving greater on-farm uptake of genetic potential by increasing the use and understanding of EBVs is a key activity in the AHDB Beef & Lamb 2017-2020 strategy.
Signet Breeding Services will be making all identifiers, which are designed to be worn around the neck, available to Sheep Breeder clients from this week.