Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

Sheep Genetics, Reproduction and Lambing

Click on the links below for information on:

• Genetics
• Performance Programs (External Links)
• Lambing
• Reproduction / Breeding
• Sheep Breeds (External Links)

Genetics

These links provide information on performance records, Estimated Progenty Differences and sheep breeding terminology.

• Performance Records - Do You Really Need More Paper?
• Using Performance Records for Sheep Selection
• Fitting EPDs Into Your Selection System
• Selecting The Right Ram With EPDs
• Glossary Of Sheep Breeding Terminology (Order No. 00-079)

Performance Programs (External Links)

Links to other genetic evaluation programs

• GenOvis
  GenOvis is the Canadian genetic evaluation program for sheep producers.
• CSGES
  The Canadian Sheep Genetics Evaluation System (CSGES) blog site contains technical documentation for the genetic evaluations and online program used in the GenOvis program
• LambPlan
  Australian genetic improvement program.
• Sheep Improvement Ltd. - Genetic Improvement
  New Zealand sheep genetic evaluation program.
• Signet
  United Kingdom sheep genetic evaluation program.

Lambing

Factsheets providing information on lambing

• Hypothermia in Newborn Lambs (Order No. 98-089)
• Care of the Newborn Lamb (Order No. 98-087)
• Assisting the Ewe at Lambing (Order No. 98-091)
• Lambing Diary (Publication 834)
• Understanding Lamb Mortality (Order No. 12-031)

Reproduction / Breeding

Factsheets providing information on breeding and reproduction

• Sheep Reproduction Basics and Conception Rates (Order No. 12-037)
• Out-of-Season Breeding Alternatives for Sheep (Order No. 08-065)
• Pregnancy Scanning: Management Tips (Order No. 02-061)
• Breeding Options for a Commercial Sheep Flock
• Crossbreeding
• Choosing Breeds for Producing Profitable Market Lambs

Sheep Breeds (External Links)

These external links include information on breeds of sheep.

• Sheep Breeds
  Brief descriptions of many sheep breeds worldwide, as well as the area where they are located.