ChoosingRamsL2

• Choosing rams to optimize commercial farmer profitability - Big picture:

  Number of rams needed
• Define best ram

  Breeding values and indices
• What to measure and record?

  Traits
• Crossbreeding

  Complimentary to best rams
• Nucleus breeds -> measure and record -> mate best parents -> sell rams/semen
• Commercial breeders -> buy best rams -> mate best parents -> manage flocks -> sell meat/wool at greater profits
• Best ram - Nucleus defines a breeding objective based on goal traits affecting profit. Apportion selection pressure using economic value of each goal trait. Transform phenotypes into breeding values.
• Why should a farmer use crossbred rams?

  Give complementarity, better ram breeders, gives access to more sheep
• Best ram - Commercial - Which breeder? Breeding objective, rate of genetic gain, comparative trials. Which rams? Select on genetic merit (cost/benefit).
• What does weaning lambs at heavier weight get more of?

  Gets more money than having more lambs born
• High replacement rates impact the benefit of using terminal sires.