Maternal Index

(Poll Dorset; Lleyn)

The maternal index was created to enhance the productivity of the lowland ewe, bearing in mind that two of the main factors influencing flock profitability are the number and weight of lambs, reared per ewe, to slaughter. Ram buyers looking to buy a ram to breed female replacements should use this index to identify a stock ram that will produce productive female progeny. The weightings placed upon the individual EBVs will vary depending on the breeding objectives of the breed.

Breeding Objective

To increase the productivity of maternal breeds of lowland ewe

Influential EBVs

Eight week weight

Maternal ability

Mature size

Litter size

Longwool Index

The Longwool Index was created to assist breeders with the selection of rams that are to be used as crossing sires, when mated to hill ewes. Selection using this index will improve the financial productivity of the longwool breeds. In purebred flocks, carcase conformation will be enhanced and growth rate will increase, but the rate of increase has been controlled so that the mature size of crossbred ewes does not become excessive. Commercial producers using this index to select stock rams to breed female replacements, will produce a flock of crossbred ewes whose lambs will have better quality carcases, with a high yield of lean meat.

Breeding Objective

To enhance carcase characteristics without detriment to the maternal performance of the crossbred ewe

Influential EBVs

Muscle depth

Scan weight

Maternal ability