Breeding Insights: Primeline Shedder Background
September, 2022
LAMBPRO has had shedding sheep in our Primeline Maternal program since 2008. This can be traced back to LAMBPRO has had shedding sheep in our Primeline Maternal program since 2008. This can be traced back to two heavily used rams that likely carried a shedding gene from the Dorper breed, which was introduced into White Suffolk sheep in the late 1990s.
The Primeline Shedding program is about more than just labour and shearer shortages. It focuses on reducing long-term labour in sheep production, especially by cutting down on crutching, dagging, and the potential for blowfly issues. It follows a “little cattle” focus by providing sheep that require less labour but still deliver high production of kilograms per hectare.
The path to a Primeline Shedder is to combine our partially shedding sheep with a few strategic infusions to fast-track the process. However, we must address four main challenges to ensure long-term success:
The path to a Primeline Shedder is to combine our partially shedding sheep with a few strategic infusions to fast-track the process. However, we must address four main challenges to ensure long-term success:
- Fertility
- Foot Health
- Worm Resistance
- Marbling
All these traits are generally lacking in most shedding sheep. Our approach to Primeline Shedders is the same as with our other breeding programs: using large contemporary groups, artificial breeding, and collecting accurate data (especially on shedding traits) to drive rapid improvement.
We expect strong demand for these shedding sheep, with a good number of rams likely to be available.