South Island Genomic Calibration flock invites ram nominations

Monday 21st October 2024

The South Island Genomic Calibration flock (SIGC) in the Te Anau basin is welcoming Expressions of Interest from ram breeders for their 2025 mating programme.

The SIGC has a terminal sire focus for maintaining a training population for the FarmIQ meat quality genomic prediction equation. There are sufficient ewes to evaluate around 60-65 rams in 2025.  

An individual breeder should supply a minimum of two and a maximum of 5 rams.  

A Breed group/society should supply a minimum of two and a maximum of 5 rams per contributing flock within the group. However large breed groups may have some restriction. 

Mating will be by natural mate in the first instance. Artificial Insemination (AI) will be used for link sires with the B+LNZ Genetics CPT hub sites, therefore there is limited availability for other sires to be mated by AI if this is preferred. Please state on the form if this is your preference.  

A call for individual ram information will be made in late January 2025. 

Conditions of entry: 

The breeder or breed group are responsible for animal health testing (protocol to be supplied), transport going to, and being returned from the Progeny Test sire.  

A contribution of $1000 + GST per ram assessed will be requested. 

Links across year groups of the SIGC flock are important, breeders/groups participating from previous years may be asked to submit a previously-tested ram for another year.  

Breeders wishing to participate in the progeny test: flocks must be SIL recorded and measuring at a minimum the following traits:  

• Sire and Dam 

• birth date 

• birth and rearing rank  

• weaning weight  

• live weight at 6, 8 or 10 months of age 

• ultrasound meat scanning 

Submit an Expression of Interest

You can open a copy of the EOI form at the link below. 
Please Download/Save a copy of the attached EOI form to your computer, fill it out and return to Jacqui Peers-Adams by Wednesday 8th January 2025. 

Post to: “Jacqui Peers-Adams, Invermay Agricultural Centre, Puddle Alley, Private Bag 50034, Mosgiel 9053”

or email Jacqueline.Peers-Adams@agresearch.co.nz 

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