Cofnodi Texel Cymreig (CTC) - Welsh Recorded Texels - was formed in the Autumn of 2004, with the support of Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC), as a cooperative group of Welsh pedigree Texel sheep breeders. The main objectives of the group are to:
• promote the use of high performance Texel rams by Welsh lamb producers.
• improve the commercially important characteristics of the rams.

All members of the group record the performance of their sheep through Signet’s Sheepbreeder Scheme, For each recorded animal, separate assessments are made of important genetic characteristics. The results are expressed as estimated breeding values (EBVs). A measure of overall performance is given by the Texel Index. The performance traits for which EBVs are reported for each animal include:
• 8 Week Weight
The potential for growth from birth to 8 weeks of age
• Scan Weight
The breeding potential for growth from birth to 20/21 weeks (age at scanning)
• Muscle Depth
A direct assessment of the size of an animal’s loin muscle and an indication of overall meat yield.

Recent developments have produced EBVs for FEC - an assessment of worm resistance using faecal egg counts – and Muscularity - a measure of the size of the gigot from CT scanning. The EBV analysis filters out the effects of different management regimes and environmental factors and shows how well each animal’s performance compares to all UK recorded Texels. With this information, particular aspects of the flock can be improved. For example, if a commercial farmer wants to improve the weight gain of lambs for the market, a ram with a high scan weight EBV would be selected. Activities of CTC include:
• an annual sale of high performance rams at WIRS, Aberystwyth in August each year;
• involvement with HCC and Farming Connect in the promotion of recorded sheep;
• cooperation with similar groups in other parts of the UK in the identification of outstanding breeding lines to improve the quality of rams for sale.
If you are interested in obtaining further information on how to make best use of performance recorded Texels, purchasing stock or joining CTC, please contact the following:
S. Wales – Gail or Malcolm Brownsett
on 01559 384675
Mid. Wales – Steve Lewis
on 07974 168824
N. Wales – Alwyn Phillips
on 01286 673519