(Blueface Leicester; Border Leicester)

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