A new project aiming to improve the productivity of hill flocks will be launched in North Yorkshire.
The North Yorkshire Moors Swaledale Breeders have secured EIP AGRI funding through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), administered by Defra, to set up an Operational Group.
The group is looking to improve carcase traits of Swaledale sheep, develop a template for hill sheep performance recording and improve hill lamb finishing systems.
The project will use electronic identification (EID), digital weigh scales and ultrasound scanning technologies to develop new ways of collecting data to inform genetic evaluations for carcase traits in hill sheep.
The project will involve using Swaledale sheep which are identified as having better carcase traits (loin, hind leg and shoulder) within a structured breeding programme to improve carcase quality and consistency.
Lambs from this programme will be assessed through different finishing systems to identify which systems are most profitable.
'Innovative project'
Steve Dunkley, AHDB Knowledge Exchange Senior Manager, said: “This is an innovative project which is looking to address some of the challenges hill farms have with performance recording.
“The producers involved are developing solutions that other hill producers can adopt, while also improving the carcase traits of their Swaledale sheep so they can meet the demands of the market.”
Tim Dunn, chair of the North York Swaledale Breeders group, said: “After breeding Swaledale sheep for many years, we feel a need to build on the many qualities the breed has.
“With increased focus on meeting market specification, it is important we keep pace with other breeds and this work to improve carcase traits will help us stay at the forefront of sheep breeding in the UK.”
